Category Retro

Beginnings

I began to learn programming in 1984 through a strange series of events. That year I was a student doing Art & Design. After making new friends I noticed other students playing chess in the library.

Always having an interest in chess I joined this group and began learning how to play. One of these players was the local under 16yo chess champion. He began my study with chess, explaining opening strategies for white and black, best defensive practice for mid to end game. After many weeks of annoying this individual he suggested I should practice playing chess on the campus computer.

My reply was “what is a computer?”

I was an art student and never had exposure to computational devices more complex than a hand-held calculator!

I was introduced to the campus Vaxen mainframe...

Read More