I have been working in the technology field since 1986. I started when you programmed in C, not C++, C# or other object oriented languages. We wrote our own objects. Desktop computers had to be opened up to move jumper settings to configure the system. My first computer was a 286 with a 40 MB drive (that’s right Mega bytes)! The Desktops at the time had to add a special board that contained 2MB of RAM. Windows did not exist and memory had to be partitioned to load and run multiple programs. I used a punch down tool in the wiring closet to connect systems to twisted pair ethernet. I started with thinnet and thicknet ethernet. One person could do all of this. Internet connections were with a 9600 baud modem. and the earliest models had couplers that your set the handset into for connection.

Today computing is so much more complex. Switches replaced bridges, switching routers and vlans make networking easier, but more complex. Storage is now on a chip (no more spinning drives). Storage is now served up on a network and can be sliced and diced as needed. Deduplication allows the storage of more data than you require physical storage. Network speeds are amazingly fast, computers run faster and are more stable, and the number of systems a single person can maintain has grow. Virtual clouds on premise or off are really amazing.

The internet was in it’s infancy when I started. I would connect to bulletin boards to gather and share information. Now I can connect with my phone and find the answer quickly. I can purchase items and have them delivered to my door in days. Some folks reading this may be able to relate to the older technology I mentioned above. Some of you, not so much. Technology has come a long way in 35 years. With AI on he horizon it is also a scary time. Some of the AI I have read about is a little misguided. To be honest, the thought of AI becoming self aware is scary. Can you say “Sky Net.” Be careful of what you wish for, it may come true.

If you like the Tranquilpeek theme, you can find more information here.

User Doc for Tranquilpeak
https://github.com/kakawait/hugo-tranquilpeak-theme/blob/master/docs/user.md

Developer Doc for Tranquilpeak
https://github.com/kakawait/hugo-tranquilpeak-theme/blob/master/docs/developer.md