A Brief History of Computing, part I

The Internet I discovered in 1992 was Netscape. It was scientists sharing their work, which I was fascinated by. It was homepages with stats and pictures and some with stories. The concept of portals was brand new and generally related to things that interested the geeks who maintained them, which was plenty fine for me. I used to think of it as the time when the internet was innocent: transparent, and by that I mean it didn't try to hide its ugliness. The people who were there either knew what they were doing or relied on someone in visual range. Or at least someone who could be in visual range after a short walk who did (BOFH anyone?).

Technology was young then, and I recognize it now not as virtuous innocence (if there is such a thing) I have since pined for, but perhaps youthful innocence. Or naivete. I felt the shift a couple years later she caught the attention of a much older man called Business. Few could tell, at the time, of course, because while Business had been carrying on for years, Technology was still young and fresh and unknown. Many even thought she was too young for Business and Business didn't let her go everywhere with him. But she learned a lot from Business, and she was very eager to see him. Business loved the attention she gave, and grew very fond of her.

Their friendship grew, and they spent a lot of time together. In retrospect I think a parent might even become worried over the sheer volume of time they spent together. That they were affectionate was obvious, but few realized how intimate they had become. Business had many dreams about Technology, and loved sharing them with her. Technology was a rapt audience for each one, and loved hearing stories. Technology had a few ideas of her own, too, but Business, more concerned about himself, listened only absentmindedly. She managed to surprise him sometimes, but more often than not he called the shots, and he liked it that way. Still, Technology managed some surprises that caught Business off guard, and despite the arguments it did keep the relationship fresh. This, too, not seen by many.

It wasn't too long before Business pursued Technology vigorously and openly. Technology could do no wrong -- and she even found him a willing audience for a change! Emboldened by her newfound importance to Business -- and the lavish attention she was receiving, not just privately, but in front of everyone -- made her feel like a star. And a Star she became, for Business was a powerful man and was used to getting his way.

A young woman from the middle class, Technology was raised by her father & mother, Education & Research,* and nurtured in the back rooms of universities across the country, Technology was well educated and traveled; nevertheless, she was swept away by the lavishness of Business' affections.

*(Research was also Government's part-time mistress, much to Education's ambivalent chagrin; you see, a lot of Government's money -- rather, a lot by middle-class standards -- was found in places Research was known to frequent -- including Education's home.)

He seduced her with ease, and they made passionate love. They paraded together at social functions; celebrated at parties; and even her parents thought they looked pretty good together.

They were in their prime. Everyone wanted to be seen with them. Press idolized them. Clergy dusted off old stories foretelling their forthcoming kind of like they usually do shortly after something important happens. Even Government, Business' fishing buddy, quietly admitted he was jealous.

One day, after coming home from a particularly lavish and entertaining party, Technology mentioned coyly to Business that she was pregnant.

Business would have none of it. "Nonsense," he said. "It's too soon. We've got so much to do together. I've got plans, and I don't want to be held back by some kid. Now get to bed, we've got a long day tomorrow!"

"it's all right," she said to the little one, not yet visible in her belly. "He'll come 'round."



...to be continued...