Introduction
Hello, and welcome to The Geeky Boomer podcast! I’m your host, PixelPia, and in today’s episode, we’ll embark on a nostalgic journey into my early encounters with computers and the emergence of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Join me as we delve into the tech-savvy times of Sweden during the 1990s.
Early Days in Education
Let’s start back in 1988, the year I earned my teacher’s degree and landed my first assignment as a full-time substitute teacher. My job involved filling in for absent teachers and providing extra support in certain classes. We were already ahead of the curve at this school, embracing multimedia resources like CD-ROMs. However, we lacked a CD-ROM player I wanted for educational purposes.
Learning to Install a CD-ROM
Determined to equip the teachers’ computers with a CD-ROM player, I took matters into my own hands. Remember, this was the early ’90s, and YouTube tutorials were not an option. Instead, I scoured magazines and PC books and even found a VHS tape on installing a CD-ROM. After studying it diligently, I decided to wait for the tech expert to install it. When he finally arrived, I observed his process, and to my surprise, it wasn’t as complicated as I thought. This experience sparked my interest in learning more about computers.
Personal Computing Journey
Fast forward to the late ’90s, and I was in a tech-savvy school with progressive ideas. Each classroom had at least one computer, and I worked with Macintosh LC machines. This exposure further fueled my interest in computers. Eventually, I bought a Macintosh LC for my home, and that’s when I also got my first taste of connecting to the Internet.
The Advent of Dial-Up Internet
Connecting to the Internet in the ’90s involved using a dial-up modem. I had a USRobotics 14.4 kbps fax modem to access the web through my home phone line. The dial-up technology had its drawbacks, as using the phone and being online were mutually exclusive. Nevertheless, it opened up new possibilities like email, web browsing, and online forums.
Early Internet Activities
Email quickly became a staple for communication, and web browsing started to gain popularity. Search engines like WebCrawler and Aliweb emerged to help users find information on the growing World Wide Web. People also began creating personal websites, effectively sharing their thoughts and experiences, which would be considered early forms of blogging.
Chat Rooms and Online Gaming
One of the most exciting aspects of the Internet during this time was Internet Relay Chat (IRC), where users could join chat rooms based on their interests or hobbies. Additionally, online gaming started taking shape with text-based multiplayer games like MUD.
The Changing Internet Landscape
As the ’90s came to a close, the Internet was rapidly evolving. Online shopping began, albeit in a rudimentary form. Graphics on websites improved, and research became more accessible thanks to the growth of the World Wide Web. However, what truly stood out was the sense of community and trust that existed among early Internet users.
Conclusion
The ’90s marked an era of significant technological advancements and the birth of the modern Internet we know today. While technology might seem primitive in hindsight, it laid the foundation for the interconnected world we live in now. The early days of the Internet were characterized by genuine connections, a spirit of exploration, and the excitement of discovering a new digital frontier.
Thank you for joining me on this trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoyed my personal anecdotes and insights into the early days of computers and the Internet. If you have any stories or memories from the ’90s Internet era, please share them with me on my website, TheGeekyBoomer.com. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on upcoming episodes and exciting content. Until next time, stay geeky and keep exploring the ever-changing world of technology! Goodbye!
