The Eric Normand Podcast The commercialization of computers
Oct 24, 2019
Reflecting on the stagnation in computing, the discussion dives into how innovative ideas like Smalltalk have been eclipsed by commercial interests. The hosts advocate for a return to the creativity and openness that defined the early computing era. They challenge listeners to consider whether commercialization stifles true innovation and explore what it means for the future of technology.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Computing's Golden Age
- There's a perceived lack of new ideas in computing since a golden age in the 60s and 70s.
- We're still catching up to the innovations of that era.
Microcomputer Revolution's Double-Edged Sword
- The microcomputer revolution, while beneficial for accessibility, hindered advancements in programming systems.
- The focus shifted from powerful research machines to consumer-grade computers with limited capabilities.
Smalltalk's Influence on the Macintosh
- Steve Jobs, inspired by Xerox PARC's Smalltalk, brought its GUI concepts to the Macintosh.
- However, hardware limitations forced them to develop a simplified version in assembly, sacrificing advanced features.