January 16, 2008

• Internet travels

  Featured_Grownups asks:

  In your own words, tell us how the internet has changed your life… start and end where ever you choose.  It can be silly, sad, serious, dramatic.  Make it a mystery or story, poem or song… or just tell us; it’s your writing, it’s up to you.

  suggested by our own prettynosyarentu

   

   

  The miracle of Internet -

   

  In the beginning — no wait scratch that.

   

  We got our first computer back in the early 90s. Ducky was just a toddler and loved to stand up at the huge keyboard with its black and green screen attached and pretend to be typing away. This was a Zenith 100 — DOS based computer. Really, just a fancy typewriter, although it played some games and those with skills could get other things from it (that unfortunately did NOT include me). I used this to write my college papers on, but still counted on the library for research materials.

   

   

   

  In the mid 90s we made our first real computer. Yep. That’s right I said made. Hubby is in computer maintenance by trade – and he discovered if you assemble your own they were much cheaper – so he Frankensteined our first machine. Actually it was a pretty darn good little machine, and my folks still have most of it at their house for the grandkids to play games on.  This machine included a magical component – one that allowed us to connect with other machines and a vast expanse of information – a modem. We started our online experience with AOL – and for many years this is where we stayed. I was back in college by this time and ahhhh the wonders of Internet research! Oodles of information just a couple key strokes away! No more lugging tons of books, just one or two to supplement my Internet works. Pure Bliss. The best part? I could do my research at midnight in my pajamas. Who could beat that?

   

  Back then, email wasn’t a huge part of our lives, because let’s face it, most of our friends and family didn’t have email. Some did, and some had AIM – and it was great to be able to stay in contact with these distant folks, cause let’s just say it, my letter writing leaves something to be desired.

   

  We did finally move away from AOL, I had learned that I could use Netscape as my browser and not be limited by the AOL design. Eventually, we just tossed AOL altogether. In CA we discovered the wonders of Broadband Cable — ahhhh once again we had hit upon computing bliss. Instant access, no waiting for page loads, easy navigation — it became a must-have in our minds.

   

  By this time we had made friends all over the world and the internet allowed us to stay in touch with all our friends and family. The wonder of eBay encouraged hubby to stock up on enough car parts to build a 3^rd M3 if he should need too. He also was connected to a SIG that gave him all the information how to do just that. Great.

   

  

   

  In Hawaii I decided one more time to return to college. This time the island of Maui didn’t have the program I wanted – in rides Internet to the rescue. On-line programs meet my educational needs and allowed me to complete my Master’s instead of waiting until we returned to the mainland. While in HI – Ducky (who’s previous fascination with the computer at age 1 & 1/2 should have given us clues) begin her love affair with the computer. She started a Xanga – and developed online friends. She eventually all but abandoned her Xanga for her myspace (traitor) but not before getting me completely hooked on blogging. I’ve made friends here on the pages of Xanga. I keep up with some of my oldest and dearest friends through email and IM programs. I conduct most of my business via the World Wide Web — I order transcripts, plan vacations, buy airline tickets, reserve concert and show seats and look up directions. I check store locations and hours, and sometimes whether or not the item I’m looking for is in the store. I often shop right here at the desk – only leaving to refill my coffee cup. I can even check if books I want are in the library and at what branch they will be at.

   

  The Internet has kept connected, reduced my shopping time, kept me informed and best of all — introduced me to a wide range of fun and interesting people.

   

  All in all – it’s been a good journey, well worth the travel. I can’t wait to see what’s around the next bend!

   

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   Naviagate on over to Featured_Grownups and read about other Internet adventures — better yet share yours and let us read them!

  

  • 9:21 am
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