My interest in computers really began just before Christmas 1982 when I bought myself a VIC 20 computer. I chose the VIC over the Spectrum because it looked more like a real computer and sported a full size keyboard. All the spectrum could offer in comparison was, in the words of VIC 20 guru Jeff Minter, "the rubber keys of doom". I got hooked on the VIC instantly and spent many early hours customising the pre-supplied programs. Anyone who has ever owned a VIC will remember the dreaded 'Blue Meanies' program.
During my time with the VIC, I typed in many programs from weekly publications only to be disappointed at the awful quality of most of them. I decided that I could do much better myself and the rest as they say, is history. Shortly after buying the VIC, I started a B/TEC in Cobol programming which was a whole new ball game. I did manage to complete four projects on the old VIC before selling it for the princely sum of £120. Those projects were all published in Home Computing Weekly, 'Frog Runner' my last project, was awarded a double colour page spread!
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