From the Commodore to ChatGPT and AI: My Lifelong Journey with Computers

When I look back, I realise computers have been with me almost my entire adult life. From the chunky beige keyboards of the 80s to AI in the 2020s, my journey with technology has been one of curiosity, persistence, and constant learning. I haven’t always remembered every detail along the way, but each milestone tells part of the story.

1980s – My First Computer and DOS Memories

I believe my first computer was a Commodore 64, often just called the C64. At the time, it was cutting-edge, though looking back it was bulky, slow, and limited. It didn’t matter. For me, it was the gateway into a whole new world.

I don’t remember all the ins and outs of DOS, but I do recall using it mainly to log in. There was even a game I used to play with a black screen and green targets,  I can’t quite place its name now, though it may have been something simple like Missile Command or Tank. Whatever it was, it captured my attention and reminded me how powerful these machines could be, even then.

1989 – Learning to Touch Type

Typing has always been at the heart of my journey. In 1989, I formally learned how to touch type in college. It felt like a small thing at the time, but I can honestly say it’s one of the most useful skills I’ve ever learned.

Fast forward to 1994, when I began using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing with my trainees. Yes, it really did come on floppy disks back then! I knew this was a skill that would set them up for life, just as it had done for me. Watching them go from hunting and pecking to gliding across the keyboard was incredibly rewarding.

1990s – From Typewriters to Windows

In the early 90s, I was managing training programmes for young people. At first, that meant electric typewriters. But soon enough, we were sitting in front of computers instead. By 1994, those were Windows machines,  likely Windows 3.1 at first, moving quickly to Windows 95. It was a turning point. Suddenly, we had icons, mice, and windows to click through, instead of just black screens and typed commands.

Mid-90s – The Christmas Webcam

One of my favourite memories came in the mid-90s. It was Christmas Day, and we set up a webcam at our dinner table to connect with family in Canada. It was morning for them and afternoon for us, and we all sat together, virtually.

The quality was surprisingly good for the time. My sister had bought a webcam too, and because it worked both ways, we could actually see and hear each other. It might seem ordinary now, but back then, webcams had only just come out (around 1995), so this felt magical. It was the moment I realised computers weren’t just for work,  they could bring people closer too.

Late 90s – Access vs Excel

Working in a training organisation, I started out using Microsoft Access to manage a database. At first it seemed the logical tool. But soon I discovered the real potential of Excel. It was flexible, powerful, and endlessly adaptable. Before long, I’d migrated everything over to Excel, and I never touched Access again.

At first, it was basic data entry. But as I explored more, I realised Excel could do far more than just hold information. It could calculate, model, and analyse in ways that opened up whole new possibilities for my work.

2000 – The Y2K “Scare”

Like many people, I’ll never forget New Year’s Eve 1999. The headlines were full of doom about the Y2K bug. Would computers stop working? Would banks lose data? Would planes fall out of the sky?

At midnight on 1 January 2000, nothing happened. Well, apart from some of the best New Year parties I can remember!

Back at work, the atmosphere was one of relief and even a bit of laughter. I was a manager at the time, and part of my role was to keep people calm. I reminded my team not to buy into the hype, and in the end, it was business as usual.

2020 – Learning, Adapting and Helping Others

When COVID hit, the whole world had to adapt overnight. For me, it was another reminder of how technology could connect people when it mattered most.

One moment stands out clearly. I was helping a young person with no computer skills at all. Even joining a Zoom call felt impossible to him. Over the phone, I talked him through it step by step, and when he finally managed to connect, the pride on his face was unforgettable. He was absolutely chuffed with himself.

That moment wasn’t just about Zoom, it was about confidence. It showed me that no matter how intimidating technology feels, the right support can turn fear into achievement. That belief has stayed with me and continues to inspire the way I  approach my own work and training.

2020s – Embracing AI and ChatGPT

I feel like I’ve come full circle. Just as I once grappled with DOS commands and floppy disks, today I’m learning to work with Artificial Intelligence.

I’ve been using ChatGPT since it first came out, and it has already changed the way I approach tasks. For me, it’s not just about work. ChatGPT can help people with everyday life, managing bills, creating budgets, comparing utility providers, even planning meals or holidays.

That’s why I’m now developing a course on ChatGPT. I want to show people that you don’t need to be in a tech role, or even in a job, to make use of this incredible tool. AI can empower anyone, in practical, everyday ways.

Will Typing Skills Still Matter?

Looking back, teaching typing felt essential. It opened doors, sped up work, and gave confidence. But it does raise a question: will typing still matter in the future?

With voice dictation, predictive text, and AI tools like ChatGPT, the way we interact with computers is changing. I believe typing will remain valuable, especially in workplaces where speed and accuracy count. But the bigger skill for the future won’t just be fast fingers on a keyboard, it will be knowing how to communicate clearly, whether by typing, speaking, or prompting AI.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that you’re never too old to embrace something new. Every leap forward, from DOS to Windows, from Access to Excel, from webcams to Zoom, and now to AI, has been worth it. And I’m excited to see where the next chapter leads.

That’s why I’m developing a ChatGPT course, to help others build the same confidence with AI that I’ve found myself. ChatGPT isn’t just for tech experts or businesses. It can support everyday life: managing bills, creating budgets, planning meals, writing, or even learning new skills.

👉 To give you a flavour of what’s ahead, here’s a short video introduction from the course:

If you’d like to stay updated on the course launch or hear more about practical ways to use AI, connect with me on LinkedIn or visit www.camaritraining.com/chatgpt-course

Because just as I discovered with DOS, Windows and Excel, the real magic of technology comes when you dare to try it for yourself.