Rob Atherton

Its many years since I was at school and I first took an interest in computers. Back then, it was virtually optional and to say their functionality was limited is an understatement by today’s standards.

Ever heard of a Lynx 480Z ?  No?  Thought not but that’s what I first used back at school. A quick search on Google tells me it boasted a CPU speed of 4Hz, 256Kb (not Mb) memory and graphics of 640×192…and don’t forget the 5.25 inch floppy drive.

By the time I got to college, word processors had come along. We used Wordstar but this was still pre-Windows and I often wonder how things would have developed before Microsoft came along and standardised everything for us. We have Microsoft to thank for common software in the majority of workplaces around the world. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access and Visio are used extensively everywhere.

Of course, these software packages may not be the very best on offer but they have become an industry standard which means that it’s a lot easier for people to move from job to job without starting from scratch each time. Basic IT training will give most people key skills they need which are required by virtually all companies in some form or another and can also be useful for running the home too.

The US giant may be seem as an evil by many people but without Microsoft, I don’t believe software and computers would be as advanced as they are.