Computer Wimp

Computer Wimp: 166 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Bought My First Computer

The information contained in this book could save the reader from some very expensive mistakes!

If a pastor were to purchase only one book about computers, this is the book to buy! It is not only informative but also entertaining.

Most books and magazines about computers contain out-of-date information because of changes in technology that occur even while the material is being printed. But this 6-year-old volume by John Bear shares principles that will remain relevant for years to come.

The book cover describes Bear as "an otherwise intelligent, sensible human being who was turned into an unhappy, frustrated wimp by his first 10 years with small computers. Now, having achieved computer satisfaction, he has written this book to help spare others his fate." At times the book is outrageously funny. At other times Bear is a "prophet of doom" warning of the dire consequences of machines that can make "1,000,000 mistakes a second" when improperly used.

Bear tells how he began with a $35,000 Digital mini-computer system, moved to a $15,000 computer system, which he finally traded "even-Steven" for a $10,000 system later stolen in a burglary. Bear used the insurance payment for the stolen computer to purchase an Apple system for word processing and later added two Radio Shack computers to operate his phototypesetter. After describing the frustrations of his trek through the computer wilderness, Bear describes his personal "dream" machine (actually two computers, a laptop portable and a compatible office computer, which seem very similar to some of the IBM-compatible computers available now).

Bear guides you through the maze of technological jargon, the pitfalls of programming and intimidating machinery and manuals. After noting the 1,808 computer books he examined, Bear introduces you to the four most helpful books he has found on the subject.

Computer Wimp should be in the library of every pastor who is considering the purchase of a computer for his or her own office or for the church. The information contained in this book could save the reader from some very expensive mistakes!


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May 1989

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