[net.micro] home computer use

mem (08/09/82)

c
A while ago it was asked what purpose there is in owning a personal
computer.  (what are those fool things good for, anyway? or something like
that.)  I didn't see my particular reason in the responses, so I might
as well add it.

I am one of those people (there are many) who got into programming by
accident; I never intended to do it as a career but got completely swept
away by it.  As a result, I am one of those fortunate folks for whom my
job is not just a means to making money, but a means for doing what I
like as well.  Which is why I never had a question of what a personal
computer is good for - it is simply an end in itself.  It allows me
to follow up on some of those thoughts like: "boy I'd like to try to
write a type x program, but it ought to do THIS neat thing too...".

As for why the average person wants one, I see no reason why everyone can't
enjoy them in the same way that I do.  I don't feel the need to justify
mine economically (justify your snowmobile or boat or pool table or...).

Mark Mallett