Hello dear friends,
I hope this Blog finds you in a cheerful mood.
Some memories fade with time, but others remain vivid—etched permanently into the heart. For many of us, the memory of our first computer belongs firmly to the second category.
It wasn’t just a machine; it was a milestone, a quiet revolution that entered our homes and changed the rhythm of daily life forever.
I still remember the day our first computer arrived. It was the early 1990s, a time when computers were not sleek or silent. This one was bulky, beige, and unapologetically dominant in both size and presence.
A heavy CRT monitor sat proudly on the desk, accompanied by a large CPU that hummed with authority. The keyboard had a firm, reassuring click—each keystroke felt important, almost ceremonial.
The computer ran on MS-DOS, with Windows 3.1 acting as a gateway to a graphical world that felt astonishing at the time. A 486 processor powered it, and though its capabilities seem modest today, back then it felt like owning a piece of the future.
Why We Brought It Home
The decision to buy a computer wasn’t impulsive. It was thoughtful and layered with purpose. First and foremost, it was for the family—especially the children.
Schools had begun introducing computers into their curriculum, and it was clear that digital literacy would soon become essential.
Having a computer at home meant giving them a head start, a chance to explore and learn beyond textbooks.
There was also a professional motivation. Computerization was steadily transforming the banking sector, and adapting to this change was no longer optional.
Even without deep technical knowledge, I knew that familiarity with computers would be crucial in the years ahead.
And then there was curiosity—the irresistible pull of something new. A computer promised endless possibilities: learning, creativity, exploration. It felt like opening a door to a world we didn’t yet fully understand.
The Big Setup Day
Setting up the computer was an event worthy of celebration. The entire family gathered as the boxes were opened one by one.
Connecting cables felt like solving a puzzle, guided carefully by the user manual. When everything was finally in place and the power button was pressed, the loud startup beep filled the room—and with it came a sense of triumph.
The black screen with the blinking MS-DOS prompt may have looked intimidating, but to us it was magical.
That simple cursor represented possibility. Hours were spent learning commands, navigating directories, and slowly gaining confidence.
Programs like WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3 became part of daily life.
Even basic programming in GW-BASIC felt empowering—typing lines of code and watching the computer obey felt nothing short of miraculous.
A New Member of the Family
Before long, the computer became woven into our everyday routine. Children typed school assignments, created simple projects, and played educational games.
Classics like Prince of Persia and Pac-Man brought joy and laughter, often drawing a small audience around the screen.
For me, the computer was a teacher. It introduced me to word processing, spreadsheets, and even early forms of email—something that felt almost futuristic at the time. Learning was slow but deeply satisfying.
That computer wasn’t just a tool; it was a companion. It witnessed curiosity, frustration, excitement, and growth. It shaped habits and opened minds.
Looking Back with Gratitude
Today, technology has evolved beyond imagination. We carry powerful computers in our pockets, connected instantly to the world. Yet, the thrill of that first computer remains unmatched.
It taught an invaluable lesson: the importance of embracing change. It showed that learning never truly stops and that investing in the future—especially for one’s children—can have lifelong impact.
As I watch my children succeed in a digital world, I can’t help but smile, knowing that a humble beige machine played a small but meaningful role in their journey.
The first computer is like the first chapter of a book. It sets the tone, sparks curiosity, and invites us forward.
My journey began with a blinking cursor in the early 1990s—and it’s a beginning I will always treasure.
So tell me—do you remember your first computer? Those early moments didn’t just shape our memories; they shaped the digital lives we live today.
BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE
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Retiredकलम 
I grew up with no computer at home, but thankfully, can adapt these days. Interesting thoughts, Verma.
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Thanks, I actually grew up without a computer at home, so a lot of this came later for me. That said, adapting has been part of the journey, and I’m grateful for how accessible and intuitive technology has become. Appreciate your thoughts.
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You’re welcome, Verma
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Thank you, Sir
Have a nice day.
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very nice .
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Thank you so much.
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Dear Verma ji,
What a beautifully nostalgic and heartfelt reflection you’ve shared. Your words took me right back to that era of bulky beige boxes, humming CRTs, and the proud click-clack of keyboards. You’ve captured not just a memory, but a generational shift—a quiet revolution that unfolded in living rooms like yours and mine.
It’s touching how you framed the computer not just as a machine, but as a family milestone—a thoughtful investment in your children’s future and your own adaptation to a changing world. Your description of the setup day, the MS-DOS prompt, the early software, and even the shared joy of games like Prince of Persia… it all resonates deeply. Those weren’t just moments of learning; they were moments of bonding, curiosity, and wonder.
You’ve reminded us that before speed and sleekness, there was meaning and presence. That humble 486 wasn’t just technology—it was a teacher, a companion, a window to tomorrow.
And how wonderful to see that early investment blossom, as you watch your children thrive in a digital age, knowing that journey began with that very first computer. It’s a testament to your foresight and love.
Thank you for sharing this memory, Verma ji. It’s a beautiful tribute to an era of discovery, and a gentle reminder of how every big change starts with a small, brave beginning—often, with a blinking cursor on a dark screen.
Warm regards
Srikanth
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Dear Srikanth,
Thank you for such generous and thoughtful words. I’m deeply moved by how closely you connected with the memory—and how beautifully you reflected its spirit back to me. It’s comforting to know those early moments of curiosity and courage still resonate, blinking quietly in our shared past.
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