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yes, not too many people tinkered with their computers then. But the real question is: how many of those who tinkered then, would tinker now if they were born i

by Tarsul 5y ago

yes, not too many people tinkered with their computers then. But the real question is: how many of those who tinkered then, would tinker now if they were born in the 00s? Probably less then if they were born in the 80s, just because e.g. ipads or smartphones are not to be tinkered with. I mean many pupils have problems just working at a laptop (e.g. understanding the file system) because they never did it at home where all they might know are smartphones. So there definitely is a very different technological structure today than back then.

vladvasiliu 5y ago
That's true, the way "technology" is set up now, with locked-down tablets and phones may be less conducive to tinkering. But then again, computers, in general, are much more affordable. So if people are curious, it's much easier to get their hands on a computer, and there's less risk. When I was growing up, a PC was a fairly consequential purchase for my family, and they couldn't afford to buy a new one very often. There was a lot of pressure to "not break it". Of course, looking things up a bit and getting help from my father and friends, I was able to figure out that "messing with drivers" would likely not break it physically. But I understand this could have been limiting for people not having someone to guide them. There's also the fact that today much more people have access to "computing", so if the part of the population interested in tinkering is roughly the same in absolute terms, the ratio between those who tinker and those who don't is skewed in favor of those who don't.
spideymans 5y ago
These people might not be tinkering with iPads or iPhone, but web development has infinite possibilities and a very low barrier to entry (you only need a computer with a web browser). Anyone interested in code will find a way to scratch that itch.

by Tarsul 5y ago

vladvasiliu 5y ago

That's true, the way "technology" is set up now, with locked-down tablets and phones may be less conducive to tinkering. But then again, computers, in general, are much more affordable. So if people are curious, it's much easier to get their hands on a computer, and there's less risk. When I was growing up, a PC was a fairly consequential purchase for my family, and they couldn't afford to buy a new one very often. There was a lot of pressure to "not break it". Of course, looking things up a bit and getting help from my father and friends, I was able to figure out that "messing with drivers" would likely not break it physically. But I understand this could have been limiting for people not having someone to guide them. There's also the fact that today much more people have access to "computing", so if the part of the population interested in tinkering is roughly the same in absolute terms, the ratio between those who tinker and those who don't is skewed in favor of those who don't.

spideymans 5y ago

These people might not be tinkering with iPads or iPhone, but web development has infinite possibilities and a very low barrier to entry (you only need a computer with a web browser). Anyone interested in code will find a way to scratch that itch.