Frank and Ernest by Thaves for November 19, 2015

But it works that way……………… that’s how I got to this class..

Maybe now we can “thumb” our noses at those big, clunky hard drives – and they are easier to move from one computer to another.

Don’t see many hitchhikers any more.

Maybe “Hitchhacking” . . .

Isn’t hatchhiking what you do when your trunk lid won’t stay up on its own…

Hitchhiking is a big no-no!

I don’t see any towels. Everyone knows you can’t hitchhike without a towel.

I once got sent to a three-day class on the history of computing by a supervisor who told me, “You could probably teach the course. But if I don’t send someone to this class this time, next time it comes around, I might not have the seat if I need it for someone.” So the instructor’s opening lived down to my expectations:This is a class on the history of automated data processing. It’s not a class on how to use your computer. But every time I teach this class, I get a bunch of evaluations that say, “I sat there for three days and I still don’t know how to turn on my d@mn computer.” So watch carefully; I’m only going to say this once. This is your d@mn computer. (An original IBM PC; that’s how old this story is.) The d@mn power switch is back here. Flip the d@mn power switch up to turn on the d@mn computer; flip the d@mn switch down to turn off the d@mn computer. That’s how you turn on the d@mn computer; now let’s get on with the d@mn class.

I’d pronounce it D ‘AT’ uM. Seems to work since the class was about data processing.

Back in the late’70s, early ‘80s we were looking for methods of automating our businesses. I knew little about computing; all I was interested in was getting results. You know, eliminating all the paper with manual bookkeeping, inventory control, etc. We maintained parts inventory on a rotary card system with thousands of index cards with receipt and sales records posted daily. When inventory reached the order point, the card was tagged and made visible so we could place an order to restore the desired on hand quantity!

I thought a computer was necessary, so I went to a class sponsored by Texas Instruments so I could see how this new fangled machine could be used to improve my business. Some 5 hours later, I learned how a piece of sand was used to build a computer… not a single, applicable piece of information I could use, so I went back totally pissed off about the whole prospect.

A couple, three years later a guy visited me with the solution I thought I was looking for. He brought a system into my office to give me a demonstration. After two hours of struggling to get the damn thing to even power on, I told him to come back when he had something that actually worked!

We did actually implement a complete POS inventory and accounting system, but it wasn’t until @ 1986-87 when we were able to purchase a system that would actually do the job! Although we were already using Apple IIs to handle the accounting tasks, it was the PS/2 that made the task of inventory management complete…

Sorry, I sometimes suffer from diarrhea of the mouth…