My Journey in Computing Throughout the Years!
I recently read a post by Kev Quirk about his computing history, and it seemed like a fun topic, so I'm going to put my own twist on it! I've been into computing for two decades now—yes, I'm old. (◔‿◔) In that time, I have gone through four computers; one laptop and three desktops, experimenting with several operating systems and applications!
I recently read a post1 by Kev Quirk2, about his computing history, and it seemed like a fun topic, so I’m going to put my own twist on it!
I’ve been into computing for two decades now—yes, I’m old. (◔‿◔)
In that time, I have gone through four computers; one laptop and three desktops, experimenting with several operating systems and applications!
1999 - 2004 Compaq Presario 7400 Series
Not my exact model or picture, but is the closest to the one we had back then!
My first PC, or should I say our first family computer, was a Compaq Presario 7400 series desktop tower. I’m not sure of the precise model, but I remember it had a Pentium 3 CPU, 64 MB of RAM, a 30GB HDD, and ran on Windows 98. It even came with an upgrade CD to Windows 98 SE!
I have fond memories of playing games, going online for the first time, and slowly learning more about computers during that period. I remember reading both the accompanying manuals quite frequently; it was the closest thing to scratching the itch when the computer was occupied by my father or sister.
It eventually became my own computer when my dad upgraded to a new custom-built PC and my sister bought herself a laptop. Even though it was a hand-me-down, I was quite happy to have a PC all to myself!
Although I don’t use Windows anymore, Windows 98 will always have a special spot in my heart!
2004 - 2009 Custom Built Pentium 4 Desktop
Around the time I was in middle school, my dad surprised me with a custom-built PC! I don’t know much about its components, but it had a Pentium 4 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 300GB HDD, internal graphics, and a copy of Windows XP. It was a good machine and it worked terrifically well!
Windows XP was also more stable than Windows 98, so it made for a pleasant experience. However, unlike 98, I hold no love for XP; Sorry XP Fans!
This was also the time when I became more interested in Linux! I had read about it before and was intrigued, but this is when I learned more about it and started ordering those free Live CDs! Fun times.
2009 - 2014 HP Pavilion Slimline s5600 Series
The Pavilion Slimline Case still holds up in my opinion!
When I enrolled in university for my major in Computer Science, I needed a new machine because my old one was left at my dad’s when we moved, and it was time for an upgrade!
I was advised to get a laptop, which in hindsight was probably the best choice. However, I was stubborn and preferred the repairability and power of a desktop since I rarely needed to leave my desk. So, I received an HP Pavilion Slimline desktop as a gift from my mom. Its slim case was perfect for my desk space, and it looked great too! It featured a Pentium Duo CPU, my first dual-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB HDD, Intel HD internal graphics, and a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium.
This machine was fantastic! It ran smoothly without any issues and was quite impressive for an entry-level rig at that time!
Windows 7 was also pleasant to use. Even though I was already using Linux and enjoying it, I decided to stick with Windows 7 on this machine. I eventually installed Kubuntu, and it ran fantastically!
2014 - 2018 The Dark Era
During late 2014 I moved over to Florida and with it I parted away with a lot of my stuff including my trusty HP, I didn’t want to lug it all the way and it was already bit out of date anyways.
This was what I called my dark era of computing since I effectively didn’t have a computer until late 2018 making do with tablets and later a smartphone. Not the best of times for me personally either, it was a dark era indeed.
2018 - Current ASUS C101PA 3in1 Chromebook
By this time, I had gotten my first job at a Mexican restaurant and could afford to buy my own computer! After saving up all the earnings I could from tip-wage work, I was able to purchase a not very glamorous but good enough for me Chromebook!
It was the best for the price and very portable, something that I warmed up to as I grew up. All I needed was a device that allowed me to study, take notes, take tests, do some light coding, and light web browsing, and this small ASUS delivered that in spades!
It’s also a convertible, which makes it extra handy when laying on the bed or setting it up in tent mode, for example, in the kitchen!
It packs a Hexacore Rockchip CPU, 4GB of RAM, 16GB eMMC, and runs Chrome OS. I know those are underwhelming specs, but it works for me.
I have been feeling its age now that it’s doesn’t get any more updates (Auto-Update Expiry), and I tend to push its limits sometimes by running Linux apps on top of a container called Crostini, but it still has plenty of life in it.
I will replace it as my main device soon. Once I have an apartment, I’m planning on either building my own or getting one of these small but powerful mini PCs!
What about you?
Regardless, I’m interested in your computing history as well! Did you have a “dark” era like me? What operating systems have you used? Are you more of a laptop or desktop person? Let me know via email! (•‿•)
Footnotes
-
Kev’s post: This post woudn’t be possible otherwise! ↩︎