1983: Meet the COMPUTER ADDICTS | Newsnight | Retro Tech | BBC Archive

"I may be an addict but I call myself an enthusiast, not an obsessive person" - Phyllis Arrandale.

Newsnight's Julian O'Halloran reports on the growing craze for home micro-computing, which has seen hitherto respectable people exhibiting levels of fervourish devotion to computer programming and game playing that borders on addiction.

Julian meets Chris Carter, a seemingly ordinary man who works for his local council, but who spends his lunch breaks in the local pub, playing the arcade machine. Chris has spent thousands of pounds on home computers, and spends 20 to 40 hours a week programming them - sometimes right through the night. His latest project is a house design program - one that he expects to spend at least 6 months writing - but one that he does not envisage using himself.

Next, Julian speaks to Graham Hawker, who has developed an obsession with computer games, he is currently working his way through Adventure in Serenia. Graham finds the idea of pitting his wits against a perfect machine incredibly compelling.

Finally, Julia visits Hertfordshire sweet shop owner Phyllis Arrandale. Phyllis originally bought a computer to help out with her accounts, but was so impressed with it that she began programming software of her own. Now, she is attempting to make a printed circuit board, with the ultimate aim of making her own computer from scratch.


Clip taken from Newsnight, originally broadcast on BBC Two, 19 January 1983.




For more retro computing programmes (and programs!), visit the rather wonderful BBC Computer Literacy Project archive, here: https://clp.bbcrewind.co.uk


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