Re: First computers . . .

[Bruce.Baker@juge.com (Bruce Baker)]

I started basic in about 1967.  We were told this was a beginner's language,
really a throw-a-way to help to learn boolean logic and flow charting before
getting into a REAL language like fortran.  So we spent 4 or 5 weeks on basic,
then the rest of the semester learning fortran.  Really the only difference was
output was a little more sophisticated.  

We inputed our programs using a teletype or a tape reader.  We typed our
program offline onto the tape then got online to an out of tonw mainframe to
read them in.  Responses came back on the teletype machine - like an automatic
typewriter, this machine was a lot like the old AP wire service machines if you
have ever seen one of those.  They were very loud.

Bruce