Historic Books: When Computer Were Fun

In the beginning, computers were too expensive to be owned by individuals. This started to change with microprocessor-based personal computers but with the arrival of really cheap machines like the Sinclair ZX81 in 1981, anybody could afford to buy their own machine. The flip-side of low price was that these simple machines were very difficult to use – you really had to know how they ticked at the deepest level to be able to do useful work. Strangely, this learning process itself became regarded as entertainment and for a few years in the 1980s acquisition of computing knowledge became a “fun” activity. Owners of computers joined clubs to share their knowledge and excitement. They were supported by a range of magazines, books, and self-instruction courses.

Although the graphic displays, if any, on these simple machines were primitive and clunky, the graphic designers in the literature gave full reign to their imaginations! We have preserved a selection of the literature of this halycon era, some of which are on display here.