Rick Ethridge
November 21st, 2003, 09:14 AM
I got "hooked" into computing while in high school 1968. I spent considerable time at the library reading magazines on the subject. I purchased my first machine, a TRS-80 Model I in 1978 (still have one!). I sold it two years later and bought a VIC-20. I later gave it away and spent considerable money on an Amiga A1000. I accomplished more on the Amiga than any other system and it gave me insites into unix and the command line. I purchased a TRS-80 Model 4P at an auction and got hooked on its uncomplicated construction. After being given a couple of regular Model 4's I retrofitted one with a green screen (still have it!). I then got involved with Commodore 128's and 64's. They're versatile and easy to work with. I was given an Apple][e but wasn't really into it. Later I was given a PowerMAC 8500/120 which gets some use. Working on the Tandy units gave me a chance to develop skills I used in building, repairing and modifying systems. My TRS-80 16B had a hard drive with Xenix giving me a better background in unix. I've gone to a technical school for computers and am nearly A+ certified. I have and use PC compatibles including the two in my bedroom. I'd like to say my exposure to vintage computers was a great part of my education. They allowed me to make mistakes I'd never want to make with the latest generation of computers!