The first computer I had the opportunity to engage with was IBM’s gigantic storage for files system that required manually backing up daily. This process took about 45 minutes. I had just graduated high school and a company in town was looking for a data entry clerk to be trained. I applied and was the lucky applicant that got the job.
Please note that my first experience was with IBM. I am not saying IBM was the first to bring computers to us, just was for me. So, those just looking for a fight – now you know. Let’s move on.
Computers were a new thing then. People didn’t have cell phones, much less a laptop or PC in their homes for private use. So, this was an opportunity that seemed like it could amount to something and it was. The data entry department at this warehouse consisted of 2 computer programmers, 3 data entry clerks, one head clerk and the manager of the department who happened to also be a programmer. So, seven people handled the warehouses orders, invoices, bill of ladings for the shipping department and backing up and storing all data the company used in a gigantic steel frame box that sit right in the middle of our department. Reports would be generated daily to distribute to other departments. Email didn’t exist at the time. This was 1983, remember? So, reports were generated from the hard drive and the gofer would distribute them via golf cart. The gofer being me since I was the newest addition to the company. I didn’t mind. The pay was good for a high school graduate and I was learning stuff by experience, not just textbook. I was going to college at the time taking computer science so this gave me an upper hand, so to speak.
I remember being afraid of doing something wrong at the beginning. The storage system where backup was held was huge. Our department had a name for this machine. It was Moe. Moe was the smartest entity we knew. These new gadgets were intimidating, but that quickly passed and the fear left. I don’t believe I was fearful because they were a new thing. I was too young to think that way. I believe it was the fear of making a mistake and doing something to make me look inept, instead. You know when you are young and transitioning into adulthood you have something to prove or so you think. At the same time I think anyone would probably be intimidated by something that could take inventory, spit out reports, handle payroll and everything else and do it correctly and quickly since this had never been done before, but that I don’t think bothered me much. With Moe having a name, he seemed more friendly and approachable. Maybe that was it. Having a name, but anyway moving on.
IBM was the leader in computers at the time and everything else developed from them. Today, instead of the dinosaur that only big companies can afford, you can have a compact PC in your home. Better yet, on your phone. One that sits snugly inside your handbag or pocket. Amazing how things develop and one’s that stand the test of time are the great ones. From dinosaur days to present, all must take their place in the lineage of the dinosaur. Just the way it is..But, it is always good to know where you came from or started.
When God Speaks 
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