I think you've hit the nail on the head. I was luck to have had a number of computers that were essentially "mine". First a ZX Spectrum, then the +2A, an ancie

I think you've hit the nail on the head. I was luck to have had a number of computers that were essentially "mine". First a ZX Spectrum, then the +2A, an ancient Compaq luggable (which had the most wonderful keyboard), and an ancient Toshiba laptop. The fact that these were mine to do what I wanted with, without worrying about breaking them, was really important in giving me the freedom to really explore them.