How many think computers are a tool?

[Geo-TH,In]

I do. I'm still using a computer my boy made 20 years ago. It has windows 98 and works 4.0 spreadsheet which I've used to keep business records, made checkbook program, automatically shows balance after I put in deposits and withdrawals. Computers sure makes my life easy.

At the end of they year, I have to sort business records and print out a paper copy for CPA with totals in each column. It makes things easy for my CPA.

Hard to believe 2016 is almost over and I have to start another spreadsheet for 2017, which is no big deal.

My son refers to my 20 year old computer as an amish computer. I backup my records on another outdated computer that is linked to a laser printer. I transfer records on a 3.5 inch disk which is not seen modern computers.

So how many are still using old computers? I have no fear of my computers getting hacked, not connected to internet.
geo

 

[Texasmark1]

Let's extend that question to include internet usage. Every single day I marvel at the ability to do what we can do with that pair of resources.......and yes they are absolutely tools, on a grand scale. Talk about industrial/worker/business/individual productivity increases.....absolutely mind boggling. When I was working and wanted a manufacturer of something, I went to a long string of books which were the Thompson Register. Flipping page after page, phone call after call, waiting for answer after answer......that's productive???????

Every day I ask myself and my sweetie, what did we ever do before we had these tools? Without is the consensus. BUT we didn't know any better. True, how true.

Just replaced the OEM tires on my 2011 Silverado. Figured it was time for a battery. It has the Delco fancy functional battery. Went online and found a replacement and in the surfing came across AGM wording. I had seen that before but didn't interest me. This time it may be pertinent to my battery purchase so I www what does AGM mean and of what benefit is it? You know the answer. Whadda-deal.

 

[Texasmark1]

And might as well add ipads and the like which I don't have/want/need, but are functional none-the-less and are part of these tools.

Example of the ipad device versatility: Was at my Dr.'s awhile back and wanted a new medication as I didn't like the side effects of the current product she thought I ought to use. Did my www research, got the documentation and on my visit I presented my choice to her with backup.

She whips out her ipad and in an instant scrolls down to that medication and what the AMA says about it and gave me her answer. Neat. She was protected from mal practice, I had more of an answer than just her opinion, and we worked out the details. Whadda-deal. Oh I'm very happy with my new "non-duretic BP medicine.

 

[jim buford]

And the Iphone and Androids are computers in their own right. I used computers for 20 years before retiring 3 years ago and don't know we ever did without them and the days of stopping to use a phone booth we considered a blessing 40 years ago.

 

[chuck2015]

a computer can be an entertainment device as well as a tool.

 

[4wdtom]

Yeha, youtube can soak up hours, no end to the interesting stuff to watch.

 

[rustyfarmall]

Indeed, a computer IS a tool, but we do not need computers in EVERYTHING. Refrigerators do NOT need computers, and other than ignition control, our cars, trucks, and tractors do not need computers.

 

[Mark-Ia]

Had to hook up our old computer last week with Vista when our new one took a dump due to a neutral issue at the meter on the pole.

 

[rrlund]

I've known some tools that use computers.

 

[circus]

Keep that computer.
A lot of my expensive software won't work on anything newer and I'm not paying for it again. Many "improvements" are for more software profits. Glade I don't had to pay GM yearly for my car to run.

 

[guido]

Hello Geo-TH, In


Just in case you run out of 3 1/2 " disks you know were to get them, He! He!. Sorry all the 5 1/4 are full!

Guido.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Guido,
I had forgotten about 5.25 floppies.geo

 

[Dick L]

It all depends on what your pulling with your tractor whether a computer is needed. The new planters that changes the amount of fertilizer applied according to the need to that area of ground uses both GPS and a computer. My neighbor soil tests in small blocks which is transferred to a computer program. This saves fertilizer used by cutting back where not needed and puts extra where is needed. My Grandsons combine has a computer that marks with GPS the bushels per acre and places it in a computer program. His sprayer also has a computer and self steer.
I would have to call a computer a tool for the large acre farmers. My computer is still a addictive toy. I am led to comment on forums where no one really gives a rats behind what I think.

 

[Ted in NE-OH]

And I remember 8 inch disks, I'm that old

 

[Tony in SD]

Yes Computers are a tool. Im so old I remember programing in Fourtan IV on computer cards, hard wiring TTL, RTL and the Z80 processor. Bet there aren't too many who remember those software programs and hardware.

Not to be a smart a$$ but if your computer is not connected to the internet, how are you posting to YT?

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I too remember punch cards, Fortran, cobalt. Those were when there wasn't MS in business.

 

[JMS/.MN]

Amish computer? Must be like my old TracFone...I referred to it as my hand-crank cell phone.

 

[David G]

They are integral in my occupation now.

I do automation.

It is sad, but the manufacturing jobs are NOT coming back like they were, regardless of what any political candidate says. A manufacturing facility can function with a small percentage of the people that used to be required, due to automation. I think it is great to bring jobs back, but the people wanting jobs MUST be trained on the new technology, and that means computers. I have enjoyed the blending of computers with the mechanical world I grew up in.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I use smartphone. Also have laptop Windows 10. Use older computers for business records

 

[Stephen Newell]

Why wouldn't a computer be a tool? I think about hitting mine with a hammer all the time.

 

[Goose]

My use of a computer on the job began in 1990 when I filed Ford warranty claims by computer. Every employment situation I've been in since has required me to use a computer, so I'd have to say, yes, a computer is a tool.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I can do more with the old spreadsheet 4.0 than I can do with newer versions. Writing equations to add a column is similar to four team equations. Been using it for 20 years and I don't see any reason to change.

 

[guido]

Hello Tony in SD,


It has been a lont time you forgot how to spell fortran! HE! HE!

Guido.

 

[chuck2015]

(quoted from post at 16:30:17 12/31/16) I can do more with the old spreadsheet 4.0 than I can do with newer versions. Writing equations to add a column is similar to four team equations. Been using it for 20 years and I don't see any reason to change.

you are quite lucky your computer has lasted this long...after 20 years it could be a good idea to upgrade...just my opinion.

 

[Goose]

I can remember when we inserted a stack of punched cards into a computer to run our program.