[Coco] Thoughts on modern computers (sort of off topic)

[Wayne Campbell]

Then there are people like me. I am proficient in Basic09, and know other 
BASIC's enough to get by. I have learned C/C++ over the years, but never 
beyond the "console" versions of programs. The problem I have isn't the 
programming language ... it's the environment. I still have no clue what 
half of the things in the Microsoft C++ environment are, or what they do, 
and have never been able to figure out how to "finalize" a project into an 
application that I can say "OK these files go in the distribution archive 
and these are development files only". I find myself being frustrated to the 
point that I don't really consider myself to be a programmer, just a 
hobbyist. And I have yet to find a "Getting Started with the <language> 
Environment" tutorial, or a "Going Deeper into the <language> Environment" 
document. Anymore I just program in Basic09 and stay content in my ability 
there.

Wayne

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paulo Lindoso" <paulo.lindoso at gmail.com>
To: "CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts" <coco at maltedmedia.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:36 AM
Subject: Re: [Coco] Thoughts on modern computers (sort of off topic)


> On the other hand, many things that had to be programmed back in the "good
> ol' Coco Days" are now simple apps that you can buy (or download for free
> here and there).
>
> Take "contact managers", for instance... You will find anything from a
> simple phonebook (if you own a Mac, it will come with OSX) to a
> full-fledged CRM Web-based/client-based Siebel/Salesforce-like application
> system...
>
> Coming from a programming background, I certainly miss the simplicity and
> relaxed, text-based approach of an "80 computer", but I also enjoy digging
> up an odd app to fulfill a specific need I have and I feel lazy about
> programming...
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 12:31 PM, John Odom <forgerii at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> I agree. The learning curve for modern computers is too steep.
>>
>> I immediately put GW basic on my windows machines, and run some programs 
>> I
>> originally made for the CoCo.
>>
>> John L. Odom
>> Chemist/Microscopist
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>>  From: Louis Ciotti <lciotti1 at gmail.com>
>> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts <coco at maltedmedia.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:11 AM
>> Subject: [Coco] Thoughts on modern computers (sort of off topic)
>>
>> This morning I was reading through a post about the Plug 'n' Power module
>> and it mentiond some article in rainbow magizine.  I downloaded the first
>> issue mentiond, and parusing through it got me thinking about modern
>> computers and how people use them now.  My first computer was a CoCo 2 
>> back
>> when I was in elementary school.  I can remember spending hours writing
>> programs in basic, and playing the various games avaibable on it.  My
>> father also used it to generated billing invoices for work he did forines
>> and I still use some little programs I mad
>> second income.  These programs would be considered simple by todays
>> standards, even crude with their text only UI.  Anyway I got to thinking,
>> back in the early days people could by a computer like a CoCo and with 
>> very
>> little extra investment be creating personalized programs in short order.
>> I mused over what it would take for someone to do so today.  After 
>> purchase
>> of a computer, they then have to learn alot more before they can begin
>> programming anything.  The mainstream computer arena is split between
>> windows and mac.  I have no experience with modern macs and my windows
>> experience is holding steady with XP, so I cannot really say for sure, 
>> but
>> out of the box there is no method for one to start learning how to create
>> programs.  There is now "basic" included with them.  In the windows arena
>> you have to download something (i.e. MS VB, or Java) and start wading
>> through how to manipulate graphics, windows, buttons, etc.  My first
>> IBM/compatible with MS-DOS 4.01 at lease had GW-baisc where one could be
>> creative.
>>
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>
>
>
> -- 
> -------------------------------------------------------------
> Paulo Lindoso
> paulo.lindoso at gmail.com
> http://about.me/pbal<http://email.about.me/wf/click?c=e86tqVWFYsEogZdu8cwmbpAZwRtFkPjZS8Z3nwSDfjU%3D&rp=TDQggGXPgxMn1%2FQoMR%2F7Bsr00fO9wne%2B4zDSBQ93vWI1BH%2FOlrnU7zrQ0H0iAWgQyYyB6YfryJhLcifwbBLZ98yd6yex7cp06Yzq3Q1SplHrq%2FIu7OFPSwv8LqPdUbWL&u=njPbVRRXSvmg3PMz9cXBSg%2Fh0>
>
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