I first began working with computers in the year 1982.  Back then, microcomputers were only for hobbyists.  I had early versions of the Apple and TRS-80 series micros and computer enthusiasts were more like ham radio operators.  It was a tight-knit community of geeks, all of whom shared a special language and passion.  Things began changing in the mid-eighties, when IBM introduced the 'Personal Computer' and the clone wars started.  Standards began evolving and the 'wild west' feel of the earlier generation of experimenters and hackers gave way to business suits and ties as these devices began showing up by the thousands in offices across the USA and the world.

My interest in computers soon turned into a full time job.  I realized that the entry of microcomputers into the workplace was the beginning of a big change in the world economy.  I returned to school and studied computer science, then held a series of positions in the computer industry.  Over the years, I worked as a systems engineer and/or programmer for Tandy, IBM, a short stay at a law firm (let me outta here!), then two jobs with the state of Virginia.

Back in the days when Windows was still in its infancy, I wrote extensive NetBIOS drivers, security utilities, and object function libraries for application developers in assembler and C, designed to run under MS-DOS and OS/2.  That was challenging and fun.  Once Microsoft began obfuscating everything with their 'Operating System', PCs became more of a commodity (good in some ways) and less of an adventure.

After spending the better part of two decades working with computers professionally, I gave up and now use them the same way most people do: simply to manage my daily affairs.  To tell you the truth, I am glad of the change.

Here are a few relevant computer links:

CNet - Consumer information for computers and electronics

Computer Shopper - Microcomputer reviews and articles

Gibson Research Corp. - Excellent software!

Webmonkey - Superb online resource for web page developers

Windows Secrets - Bi-weekly internet newsletter

Ziff-Davis - Articles & downloadable software archive

Avoid indiscriminate downloads and installations of everything you encounter on the net.  Each time you install another software product, you risk causing problems for the ones you already run.  I rely mostly on commercial software, though I do use some well-regarded open source products.

If you can, get a separate computer for your kids to use.  Believe me, the money is well spent for the time you will save not undoing the damage that their game and music downloads invariably cause.

Back up your 'My Documents' folder, frequently, to another computer or to a CD/DVD.

Yes, you really do need anti-virus, anti-ad/spyware, and firewall software.

Use an uninterruptible power system (UPS) if your applications are critical.