'Meet the computer addicts' with this BBC report from 1983 that makes my daily PC habits look pretty dire by comparison

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(Image credit: BBC Archive)

A "computer addict" typing on a home computer at, err, home.

These were the beginnings of home computing, a time when something like the Commodore was just starting to become viable as a home computing platform that ordinary people—or in this case, unnecessarily demonised nerds of the finest quality—might keep in their spare room.

And now, thanks to the BBC archives, you too can revel in their glory (viaDigital Trends). The report follows several of these forward-thinking pioneers as they talk about their daily usage of these mysterious “computers”, including the revelation that one of them likes to spend his lunchtimes in the pub.

Not to drink beer, like any self-respecting British citizen of the time, however, but to play videogames,even on his lunchbreak. You wouldn’t catch me doing that sort of thing. No siree.

Chris Carter, a then operations manager in the computer department of a borough council office, is shown not only using his computer at work, doing useful things for the benefit of society, but also enjoying one in his free time as well.

Those are rookie numbers, Chris. Rookie numbers.

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Nope, don’t identify with that one either. Oh, who am I kidding. Let’s hope Graham never discoveredCivilisation 6, or there’s a real danger we may never have seen him again.

Your next machine(Image credit: Future)Best gaming PC: The top pre-built machines.Best gaming laptop: Great devices for mobile gaming.

Your next machine

(Image credit: Future)Best gaming PC: The top pre-built machines.Best gaming laptop: Great devices for mobile gaming.

(Image credit: Future)

Gaming PC group shot

Best gaming PC: The top pre-built machines.Best gaming laptop: Great devices for mobile gaming.

All joking aside, this is a fascinating look into the mindset of a generation just coming to terms with the idea that a computer might not just be a useful machine, but something that can become life absorbing, useful, and rewarding, too.

While computer addiction itself may well be a real thing, the subjects here seem less addicted and more immensely passionate about their machines, in a way that’s immediately identifiable to PC enthusiasts today. It’s a lovely insight into the past, and made me laugh like a drain more than once.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a giant to move. According to the piece, I can charm him with a harp, making this potentially the first example of a Let’s Play guide. Rock on, you crazy cats. I reckon this home computer thing might eventually take off.

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