KateFox - Macintosh LibrarianAug 21, 2023
David Fox 🌻🥸
In 1977, my wife Annie and I opened the first public access microcomputer center. The Marin Computer Center was a nonprofit org in a library of a repurposed elementary school. We started with 9 Processor Technology Sol-20s and one Equinox. Eventually we had 40 micros (Atari, Apple II, TRS-80, Pet) people could rent for $1.50/hr. So many Marin kids got turned onto computers and went on to do great things. Jump to page 7 of this 1978 People’s Computers article by Annie
http://www.loopcntr.net/repository/1018.pdf
Mar 19, 2023 at 3:54pmWeb
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023

We couldn’t have created MCC without following in the footsteps of those who did essentially the same thing with the previous generation of computers. We spent time at the Lawrence Hall of Science (they had a room filled with teletype machines tied to a minicomputer) and Liza Loop and the LO*OP Center, a minicomputer and CRT terminals https://loopcenter.org/

Our timing was perfect to take advantage of the brand new standalone microcomputers.

Big question for us, Sol-20s or the new Apple II?

Lo*op Center Inc - Home

Lo*op Center organization. Introduction to the organization.

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
We opted for the Sol-20. Why?
1. Could type and display upper and lower case and we thought many of our members would want to do word processing.
2. We liked the friendly look, with real walnut sides
3. Bigger support infrastructure for S-100 bus computers at the time
4. Sol-20 creator Lee Felsenstein made himself very available to help us. So supportive!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
Coming later... being pitched the Apple II by the Steves...
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
In the meantime, here's another article that Annie wrote for a 1984 issue of #CreativeComputing https://electriceggplant.com/you_want_to_open_a_what.html
Electric Eggplant - Our Projects - Creative Computing: You Want to Open a What?

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
More on the Processor Technology Sol-20 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol-20
Look at those beautiful real walnut sides!
Sol-20 - Wikipedia

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
The logo was printed on paper positioned behind a plastic window, so we replaced it and dropped in our Marin Computer Center logo instead, illustrated by my sister Randee Fox.
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
I found these scans of the Marin Computer Center's brochure, revised here in 1981. Hourly computer rental rates apparently increased from the original $1.50/hr for members, $2.25/hr to non-members to $2.25/hr for members, $3/hr non-members.
#Marin #MarinComputerCenter
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 22, 2023

I just watched the excellent #Sol20 video by @ActionRetro that @thomasfuchs recommended. It reminds me of all the reasons we ended up choosing the Processor Technology Sol-20 over the Apple II during the summer of 1977. It really was a great computer. Check out the video here:
https://youtu.be/NMfjnZ66cxA

https://hachyderm.io/@thomasfuchs/110051136223952428

The Most Important Computer You Don't Know About

YouTube
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 22, 2023
@thomasfuchs Part two of the @ActionRetro #Sol20 video is here:
https://youtu.be/k4hvQwpcds4
Installing 70's Software, How Hard Can It Be?

YouTube
Show threadFran GarcíaMar 19, 2023

@DavidBFox “Even if you consider Computers to be Unapproachable, our classes can transform them Into your devoted and willing servants.”

If I only managed to get them to do what I want them to do, rather than what I tell them … 🤷😀

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@frangdlt That was the goal. Some people took it too literally. One woman couldn't figure out why her saved BASIC program wasn't working the next class. She had added this at the top of it:
1: Edit
and figured the computer would edit the program for her to make it work.
Show threadRafaelito 🦤May 21, 2023

@DavidBFox The Sol was my first computer! @TheByteAttic is restoring one for the Dutch Computer Museum and has a series of videos about it on YouTube. Both interesting technically and nostalgic.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDf2uklC__d1wC0pANEZaWXNR4T14-5JW

SOL-20 Museum restoration

In this series I carefully restore a Processor Technology SOL-20 Terminal Computer, the world's first true home computer (1976). The computer will go to the ...

YouTube
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸May 21, 2023
@ipxfong @TheByteAttic Cool!
Show threadAxel HartmannMar 25, 2023
@DavidBFox - I had my first computer class at the Laurence Hall of Science in August of 1981 - with the Eliza terminal in the hallway getting us as excited back then as people about ChatGPT now...
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 25, 2023
@axel_hartmann I wonder if you could ask ChatGPT to mimic Eliza.
Show threadAxel HartmannMar 25, 2023
@DavidBFox - Can you elaborate on that?
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 25, 2023
@axel_hartmann I think you can ask for answers to be given in a specific style. How about asking for the responses to be in the style of Eliza?
Show threadAxel HartmannMar 25, 2023
@DavidBFox - Tell me more about the questions you have!
Show threadAxel HartmannMar 25, 2023
@DavidBFox - sorry, I was playing with you - I just remembered how few actually different phrases "she" would bounce back at you ;-)
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 25, 2023
@axel_hartmann ah, got it. I didn’t see the tongue in cheek emoji 😉
Show threadAxel HartmannMar 26, 2023
@DavidBFox - Eliza was definitely before emoji, before emoticons, and before common use of ASCII smileys. The proper smileys are the ones that use only the 7-bit characters common to most terminals of the time. ;-)
Show threadvga256Mar 19, 2023
@DavidBFox ah this is just fantastic. I always wondered what the MCC looked like during its heyday. this is even cozier than i had imagined!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 lots of plants, a couch, vaulted ceiling with a lending library in a loft area at the top. And our dog an baby!
Show threadvga256Mar 19, 2023
@DavidBFox that sounds incredible. i've heard you talk about the MCC so many times over the years, and it sounded like exactly the kind of space so sorely needed out here.
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 we really wanted it to feel like a family space, not a computer room. And non-techy Annie taught most of the beginning programming classes (BASIC) from the point of view that people knew nothing about coding or computers. Very friendly.
Show threadvga256Mar 19, 2023
@DavidBFox the photos do so much to express that sense of family-friendliness. it reminds me of my favourite library as a kid - full of kids programs, and other kids ☺️
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 Exactly! The space was originally a library so keeping the vibe wasn’t too difficult.
Show threadvga256Mar 19, 2023

@DavidBFox ah ha haa perfect :D the upstairs loft sounds adorable.

i am still so enamoured by the idea of a non-profit community-based approach to computing/learning/programming. years in academia sure made me realize how any mention of computing automagically became "how can I make some money doing this?"... grassroots learning-computing-for-the-joy-of-it is still sorely needed!

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
@vga256 Well, now most people have a computer, even if it's just a mobile phone. Back then, no one did. We saw our role as midwifing the computer era... introducing people to them in a non-threatening manner. At the start, 1-2 kids in our field trips had ever seen or touched a computer. Four years later, 90% had. We figured this was a temporary solution, until computers were pervasive enough that the Center wouldn't be needed.
Show threadGen X-WingMar 20, 2023
@DavidBFox This stuff is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Mar 20, 2023
@breadbin You’re welcome! Hope to have more at some point.
Show threadcoldclimateMay 20, 2023
@DavidBFox Amazing work - I can't imagine the cascading impact this had.
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸May 21, 2023
@coldclimate Thanks! We still hear from people who were kids then and ended up in a career in programming or games.
Show threadcoldclimateMay 21, 2023
@DavidBFox legacy and a half
Show threadgoncourtMay 21, 2023
@DavidBFox That's great! (And I love these «screenshots» in the linked article, that is these printed photographs of screens.)
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸May 21, 2023
@goncourt Pretty authentic, eh?
Show threadThe Byte AtticMay 21, 2023
@DavidBFox This is wonderful!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸May 21, 2023
@TheByteAttic Thank you! This will be part of what Annie and I will be talking about at #devcom2023 in our fireside chat. I’m hoping we can find more photos we took back then.
Show threadMemphisDaPlaya 🎲🎲Aug 19, 2023

@DavidBFox

You guys were way ahead of the times, the pioneers of the PC and computer gaming. In 1977, all we had available in Arkansas was a ping pong game that had to be connected to a TV.

President Biden should award both of you The Medal of Freedom.

Show threadRyan BaumannAug 20, 2023
@DavidBFox I *just* saw the Marin Computer Center credited in a 1981/1982 Apple II edutainment game called Mix and Match!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 20, 2023
@ryanfb yes! That was my very first published game.
Show threadIvan Sagalaev Aug 20, 2023
@DavidBFox wait, are you guys the ones who wrote a book on BASIC as well? I read it in the early 1990s, and in Russian translation it was called "BASIC for all" (I couldn't find the original name.) This book started my passion for programming and it hasn't subsided since. Just wanted to say big, big thank you!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 20, 2023
@isagalaev Annie wrote Armchair BASIC and I’m credited as a coauthor (mostly her work). Look it up and see if it’s the same book.
Show threadIvan Sagalaev Aug 20, 2023

@DavidBFox yeah, that must be it! Please send my regards to Annie then!

I don't have the book anymore, but I remember it was talking about computers not actually being super intelligent, but just very good at repeating things. It was a powerful insight for a 15-year old me :-)

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 22, 2023
@isagalaev Annie says, “so glad something I wrote had so much meaning in your life.”
Show threadLydia SchochAug 21, 2023
@DavidBFox @mayor What a wonderful thing for you and Annie to do!
Show threadDerek 🌈Aug 21, 2023
@lydiaschoch @DavidBFox It is amazing how far we have come!
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 21, 2023
@lydiaschoch @mayor Thank you Linda! We think it was an enormously valuable asset to the community back then. I’ll post links to a video of our fireside chat today when it becomes available.
Show threadGerhard SchröderAug 21, 2023
@DavidBFox @pallenberg
Show threadKryten42Aug 25, 2023

@DavidBFox Brilliant!    Brings back memories. I built my first Computer in '75 from an Australian Electronics magazine project series, called EDUC-8 (Educate). Didn't do a lot, but was amazing to me as a teen. Peripherals were added over time.

I eventually earned a BSc in Industrial Design Engineering.

http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/educ-8/

Small World Communications - EDUC-8 Microcomputer

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 25, 2023
@kryten42 that’s great!! But it worked, right? So empowering.
Show threadKryten42Aug 26, 2023

@DavidBFox Yes! I learned so much, I repurposed a fish tank to make an etcher tank for the PCB's. Mom got me a Wella Soldering Station & Grandpa got me one of those big round magnifying glasses on a stand with a pair of goosenecks & a Fluro tube around the edge (I still have both). They were always so supportive.  

The first "real" computer I had was a BBC B+ (Beeb), then an Apple II, C64...ACT Sirius 1 (8086 w/ DOS & CP/M-86) .

Exciting times! Thanks again. 

Show threadKryten42Aug 26, 2023
@DavidBFox
I wanted to add that you and Annie were really pioneers. I am sure you helped so many children be excited & inspired. You must have some wonderful memories. 🖖 
Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 26, 2023
@kryten42 Thanks! Yes, we do. Watch for me sharing the link to the video of the Devcom fireside chat we did last week which goes into more detail.
Show threadKryten42Aug 26, 2023

@DavidBFox I knew your name was familiar! #LucasfilmGames I think I owned them all & still have at least some of the game boxes & discs.
My 1st game was at College. I had a BBS & a friend in College in CA said they got a game called "Colossal Caves Adventure, or ADVENT. The IT lecturer knew Will Crowther & got the FORTAN code & sent me a printed copy. I typed it on a KSR-33 terminal hooked to our PDP-11/03. Made changes to work on a VT100 terminal & sent it back. Fun! 👍 😃

Bookmarked website.

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 26, 2023
@kryten42 that’s great. Hope you didn’t get #RescueOnFractalus via a BBS! Atari version was famously pirated.
Show threadKryten42Aug 27, 2023

@DavidBFox Ha! 😂 Pirates have been around a looooooong time before the Internet or the WWW, Even little stores selling cheap (mostly Chinese) knockoffs of C64 tapes, eventually disks, VCR's, CD etc. for AU$1 or $2. Where there's a market, there's opportunity. 🤷‍♂️ 😖

It's likely worse now. With so many living in poverty,

But, no. I've owned all my Computer products I created or bought from legit sources. 👍

My BBS was a tech info/chat channel. & ASCII Art. 🖖

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 27, 2023
@kryten42 That's great!! Good for you, having your ethics in the right place from the start.
Show threadKryten42Aug 28, 2023

@DavidBFox You can thank Mom & all of my grandparents for that. My father taught me how NOT to be. He was a narcissist. So, I had a comparison to choose from. The day Mom died from Cancer, she made me promise to be the best person i could be. "The World has enough bastards, it doesn't need another one!" I knew who, and what she meant.

It's ALWAYS a choice!

Show threadDavid Fox 🌻🥸Aug 28, 2023
@kryten42 Wow! Yes, it’s a choice and you chose well. Your mom would be pleased. The problem is when someone doesn’t know it’s a choice. Or in the case of some people, are proud to choose the other way. I had a boss once who prided himself in being an a**hole. Never could figure that out.