Operating instructions
/,
The Lonellne
••
of the Microcomputer
While most
of
us would agree that the microcomputer is a
pretty great device,
it
is not without potential problems. One
of
the possible drawbacks
to
the microcomputer which I have not
seen discussed is that of
its
almost exclusive "one-on-one"
utilization. Much has been said about this type of problem with
television. Instead
of
getting together with friends, family or
neighbors after dinner, how many people now
just
sit
in front
of the
"boob
tube"? How much human interaction has been
given up in order to watch
TV?
Microcomputers seem
to
be
used in a mode very similar
to
TV
watching. One person interacts with the microcomputer.
Other people are not required and, unless you are showing
off
your latest program, are generally not wanted! Hardly a
socialable device. Think about the things you do with your
micro. How
malJY
of
them involve another human? Balancing
your check book, playing chess or life, solving equations
'"
the
list goes on. Most
of
the programs which have been listed in
the Micro Software Catalog and many
of
the programs
presented in articles have been
of
the single individual variety.
Assuming you agree that it would be nice
to
make the micro
more socialable, how can this
be
done? Some micro uses are
inherently individual. You do not necessarily want a friend
helping you balance your checkbook. Other areas can
be
modified
to
permit multi-individual use and interaction. The
en-
tire games area is open to the generation
of
games which
several people play, not
just
one.
In
a multi-person game, the
micro can
be
used to generate and maintain a very complex
playing situation, can generate sophisticated environments
and display them in a variety of forms, can be the score keeper
and when necessary the arbiter, can inform and assist the
players, can be a time keeper, and so forth. The micro is this
type
of
game is not the opponent. I hope that we will see more
games
of
this type in the near future.
Other multi-person micro applications are starting to
ap-
pear. A number
of
systems are being set up which permit in·
dividuals
to
communicate with one another through their
micros. There should
be
other areas developed which permit
the multi-person utilization
of
micros. I feel that it is important
for every computerist to occasionally question how he is using
his equipment, and
to
determine what the secondary effects of
the uses may
be.
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