What Good Are They?

What Good Are They?
by Milky

Practically everyone has seen or heard about "home computers" during the past few years. Most people, however, take a look, say, "That's nice," and promptly forget about them until they see them again on television or read about them in magazines. When I told people that I wanted to devote an entire issue of YIP to what I saw as being a hot new trend, they simply looked confused and asked, "Home computers? I've seen them, but what good are they?"

Home computers (or "micros") have an ever-increasing number of uses. Already, home computers are capable of adding and subtracting small sums at a rate far exceeding that of the abacus. Home computers also generate a great deal of heat - enough to keep a small family warm through those long winter months.

In addition to these two powerful functions, manufacturers of home computers promise that soon computers will also be able to emulate many of the most useful functions of such essential home appliances as typewriters, record players, pinball machines, vacuum cleaners, sawhorses, pottery kilns, and even telephones.

The future of home computing seems bright. Computers appear to be rapidly on their way to enjoying the popularity of several other inventions that were originally dismissed by skeptics, such as pancakes, atomic bombs, and boats. Who knows? By the year 2010, recreational home computer use may be as accepted and commonplace as participating in a rodeo or dying in an avalanche.

So please keep this issue of YIP handy - it may well serve as your guide to world of the future.

If you like anything here, or if you don't, please e-mail milky@yip.org. Or you just might have a little "accident".