NATS 1775 Lecture 14: Unit 14 Communications Technologies, Part II Personal Computers
Document Summary
Idea of skilled amateur: pursues activity outside of his or her regular occupation for no monetary compensation and has higher than average technical skills and knowledge than average user. Characteristics of computer hobbyists in 1976, venture development corporation did survey of over 1500 computer hobbyists, and findings provide useful info about general characteristics of amateurs. 2/3 of computer hobbyists were professional employed men who worked as either programmers, technicians or engineers; of these individuals used computers on a regular basis at work very familiar with computer industry and latest technology. 40% of hobbyists did not own their own computers but considered themselves above novice level in both software and hardware applications; were familiar with pdp-8 and. Pdp-11 machine languages and other programming languages like basic and fortran. 44% spend between 10-19 hours a week on hobby; 13% spent close to 30 hours a. 44% spend between 10-19 hours a week on hobby; 13% spent close to 30 hours a week.