Wondering what it would be like without computers.

My world, for many years, has revolved around computers.  I believe they have been a blessing and sometimes a curse.  The blessing is that the computer allowed me to work at home.  Working at home can be a mixed blessing but the advantages outweighed the disadvantages by a long shot.  In fact it would be very difficult for me to find any disadvantages.  You may say that I don’t get to inter-react with other people.  That is not the case; I got to meet more people because I did projects for many different companies over my working career.  I even spent some time “on site”, but I would limit that as much as possible.  I have met with all my customers in person and a lot of their employees.  So you see, I may seem like a hermit by staying at home instead of commuting to a work location, but I bet I have met more people through my work than most do, except for sales people who are on the road all the time.

Now, without computers it would be a lot harder for me to do what I do.  Before everyone had computers, I still did my work for different companies but had to create the drawings on paper using a drafting table and tools.  Then I would either have to deliver the drawing in person or mail them off.  This was difficult and at times, I had to take on full time jobs.  Then the computer came along and I got my first one while doing a contract job for G.E. Nuclear Fuel and Components in N.C.  That first computer changed my life and mostly for the better.

I now write emails, a blog, play games, and of course work on my computer.  It is a source of instant information on any subject you could possibly think of and if you know how to search properly, you can access that information in seconds.  Sometimes I get information I don’t want, but most of the time I find what I am looking for.  If I can’t find it, my wife can.  She is so very proficient at searching for information it is scary what she can dig up about almost anything or anybody.

Of course the computer has limited more personal communication.  For instance, like right now.  My wife is in the room but is not talking to me because she knows I am writing my blog and don’t want to be disturbed.  Maybe the computer and the internet will replace personal conversations someday, but I hope I am not around to see that happen.  I just love to talk to people face to face.  The telephone is my second choice and emails are my third choice.  Of course for business, emails are the best because they can be saved for reference later in the project.

Well, I got to run.  Lots of stuff on the calendar for today.  You all have a great day now, you hear?