Keith Lightfoot became a computer programmer, without even knowing what a computer was, let alone the skills required. There were no computers in the school system, no computers in the home and no computers in the workplace, except the odd scattering of huge mainframe computers, owned and operated by the machine companies or large organisations using highly trained specialist staff.
After showing interest at school in a possible career in computing, he completed an extensive written aptitude test and was advised that he was particularly suitable for the role.
Computer interface methods were very rudimentary in the sixties and seventies, operating systems were non existent or barely visible and computer geeks were definitely "computer geeks", although the term was not regularly used or understood by the media or general public.
The New Zealand Computer Society (now known as ITP Professionals New Zealand played a key role in bringing IT people together and also in legitimising the industry as a professional body. Keith was an active member of the Society serving as President of the local branch and also serving on National Council. Keith became a Full Member in 1979 and was admitted as a Fellow in 2017.
As the profession emerged and evolved, numerous technologies, competing manufacturers, specialist groups and international committees, produced an plethora of ever-changing computer acronyms.
IBM announced the Personal Computer in the early eighties and quickly became the de facto standard for many businesses and software houses.
Interesting Links:
IBM PC Debut Photo Album
Obsolete Technology Website
Computer History 1980 - 1990
Computer Collectors Weekly
New Zealand Vintage Computers
After showing interest at school in a possible career in computing, he completed an extensive written aptitude test and was advised that he was particularly suitable for the role.
Computer interface methods were very rudimentary in the sixties and seventies, operating systems were non existent or barely visible and computer geeks were definitely "computer geeks", although the term was not regularly used or understood by the media or general public.
The New Zealand Computer Society (now known as ITP Professionals New Zealand played a key role in bringing IT people together and also in legitimising the industry as a professional body. Keith was an active member of the Society serving as President of the local branch and also serving on National Council. Keith became a Full Member in 1979 and was admitted as a Fellow in 2017.
As the profession emerged and evolved, numerous technologies, competing manufacturers, specialist groups and international committees, produced an plethora of ever-changing computer acronyms.
IBM announced the Personal Computer in the early eighties and quickly became the de facto standard for many businesses and software houses.
Interesting Links:
IBM PC Debut Photo Album
Obsolete Technology Website
Computer History 1980 - 1990
Computer Collectors Weekly
New Zealand Vintage Computers