There was no Internet but there was a system of local and remote BBS's (bulletin board systems) where you could post text comments and download files. Obviously as technology moved forward, these systems are arcane and obsolete, but they provided us with the framework to understand the emerging technologies of today. All three of us pursued degrees in technology and are working in some way or another in technology fields.
Just having the computer available to us to play with gave us an ongoing educational life experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom!
Fast forward to today. Can any one of us imagine our life without a computer? Can you picture a world without being able to Google, Yahoo, Email, Blog, Social Network, Job hunt, E-bay, and name a billion other things right at your fingertips? Some children in this country live in that world.

This is what we call the 'digital divide'. It does not seem that important on the surface but its a chasm to cross as these children grow up and try to pursue a career in any field! It hinders their ability to work with and understand emerging technologies that will define the future of our country and the world. If you've ever provided technical support you know what I'm talking about. Certain things should just be basic knowledge. Using a computer is one of them.
Consider the fact that Americans junk almost 3 million tons of electronics every year and this amount is increasing! Lots of this waste goes into our landfills where it pollutes our local environment for years to come. Every time a computer is dumped in a landfill also represents a missed opportunity to provide information aged tools to a disadvantaged families. We can do better!
For more information on how you can donate your computer to be refurbished for a charitable cause please go to http://computersforcharity.webs.com/
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