David Fox 🌻🥸Mar 19, 2023
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
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 threadKryten42

@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. 🖖

Aug 27, 2023 at 7:20amWeb
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.