Issue 4.10
20 years ago, Atari came out with a nifty new device called the Portfolio. It was a handheld computer with 64 Megabytes of memory. That memory was used to store programs. You could type on the small keys, do spreadsheet functions including math and keep appointments and a database of your contacts, their phone numbers, etc. I used it quite a bit to keep track of things and schedule appointments.
This Christmas, I received an Ipod Touch. In past years I have had interactive phones and I have had MP3 players that could play music and even store data files for me. We are now entering a time when products such as the IPhone (both the IPod and IPhone are Apple products) can do many of the things your home computer can do and some it can’t (such as making phone calls). This little device has up to 64 gigabytes of memory (1000 times the capability of the Portfolio) and can play games, store all kinds of information, browse the internet, play music, display pictures, show movies and other video – I can’t even name all the things it can do because I keep finding new ones.
I am still involved with my church group and found programs that have the scriptures (along with many other good books), record keeping and even a program that allows me to have all our church group’s records including names, birthdates, phone, address and current responsibilities with me all the time. My son just downloaded 101 classic books in text format for free. My scripture program even has a scrolling feature so I don’t have to change pages. They just scroll along as I read until the end of the chapter. I have to admit that it is very cool and I am impressed. I just found out that I can play two-player games with my son who also has an IPod, each of us playing on our own IPod, but communicating in real time with the other IPod through a Bluetooth network.
We live in a time when it seems there are no limits to what can be imagined and created. Like any tool, these things can be used for good or bad purposes. I encourage parents to be aware of what their kids have on their phones, MP3 players and IPods. At our house, that is a condition of use of the technology.
Remember to stay safe – and always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 28 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him at 668-7118.