FAO: Ethel

[karmgirl]

You seem to know an awful lot about an awful lot of things and I am intrigued to know how?

I am surprised by your knowledge of the internet and such technology. I am presuming (rightly or wrongly) that you are of the older generation because of your name. Am I right? and if so I am only 20 and you know more about technology than I do.

You have very good general knowledge! =)

[redcrx]

Ethel is a 23 year old computer geek from Macclesfield, didnt you know karmgirl

:)

[Ethel]

I am a pensioner, but I have worked all my life and started using a thunk thunk type manual typewriter.

I progressed to the stand alone wordprocessor which you will have no knowledge of, as it belongs it a museum now. :)

It was a natural progression to the basic early computers which came on the market and required computing skills that just aren't necessary now. One needed to learn and understand dos commands for example.
I really enjoyed it, and in my spare time got qualifications in wordprocessing, computer studies and went on to get an IT teaching certificate.
After I retired from my proper job, I taught other older people how to use computers and the internet at my local college.
I am more or less housebound now, and very hard of hearing, so I help out online where I can.

I am still learning! If you enjoy something, it is very easy to want to learn.

Don't forget that pcs and technology weren't invented overnight - it developed over many years and the first computer is probably around 60 years old. :)
Although it was bigger than a van.

[funnygirl]

Ethel, do you remember them old time computers that used punch cards and paper tapes??

[Ethel]

Sadly, yes.

And the ones with no hard drive.

[andrea81]

There is of course Google! And I am often reverted to links, but to be honest, I prefere the chatty AB way of finding things out!
;0)

[karmgirl]

Me too Andrea :)

Thats really interesting Ethel thanks for sharing. It's nice to have someone of the older generation on here. I bet you could tell us some really interesting stories :)

xx

[scotgal]

When I went back to work after the kids went to school it was in an accountant's office and my computer was about 3 times the size of my desk here-who would have thought Ethel that with my laptop being just the size of a large envelope and the internet the world's our oyster-it's just amazing!

[Ethel]

I am amazed every day, and appreciate technology.

The slingbox really befuddles me - being able to watch programs I have recorded at home anywhere in the world, or watch my own tv anywhere.
Ingenious.

[scotgal]

With you being more of less housebound Ethel your computer must be a lifeline. I'm not housebound as such but sometimes suffer crippling depression when I cannot hardly leave the house and the laptop really is my friend then.

[Ethel]

It is a lifeline - it means I can independent by doing my shopping and banking online, and I'm never lonely or bored.

I suspect my house would be cleaner without the pc though.

[scotgal]

Mine too I suspect but hey it's only bricks and mortar and my husband doesn't complain if the hoovering or dusting doesn't get done. Anyway there's just the two of us so it doesn't get too bad.

[Bathsheba]

Ethel is my hero! She has helped me with many pc problems, also with my digital camera. She has just this minute saved me from an �85 parking charge on another thread :-)
How's the Myas..wotsit Ethel? Did they give you a firm diagnosis re that? xx