8 chapters across the catalog
John Deere Computers, 17th Anniversary Sign-off
John C. Dvorak shares a piece of obscure tech history regarding a short-lived computer line produced by John Deere in the early 1980s. The hosts sign off by inviting listeners to their upcoming 17th-anniversary celebration. The episode concludes with a musical mix featuring clips of Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and various show themes.
Computing History, Mainframes to Microcomputers
A retrospective on computing history explores how mini-computer companies like DEC and Wang were eventually marginalized by the microcomputer revolution. An anecdote from MTV in the late 1980s describes the use of expensive Wang word processors and manual conveyor-belt teleprompters. The transition illustrates how established tech firms often fail to adapt to cheaper, more efficient architectures.
Computer History Museum, Adam Curry Enshrinement
Adam Curry announces his inclusion in the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley for his role in changing the broadcast landscape. An extensive interview was recorded for the archives to document his contributions to podcasting. The hosts joke about the permanence of the legacy in a region known for rapid technological turnover.
A new listener describes how the show replaced his 25-year obsession with local sports talk radio. The hosts briefly discuss the evolution of computer operating systems, comparing modern software to the manual effort required to run Windows 3.0.
John Dvorak Detroit Speech, Cloud Computing Slavery
John Dvorak reflects on a recent speech given in Detroit regarding the devolution of personal computing. The speech argues that users have moved from being masters of their own hardware to "slaves of the cloud," trapped by smartphones and social media logins.
A retrospective on early personal computers highlights the Sinclair ZX80 and the Commodore VIC-20 as foundational devices for a generation of programmers. Sir Clive Sinclair is remembered for his commitment to simplicity, famously quipping that he used an 8-bit microprocessor because he "couldn't find a 4-bit." Despite his success in computing, his foray into electric vehicles with the Sinclair C5 was a notable failure.
John McCain's performance in the town hall format is described as robotic, while Barack Obama is criticized for a historically inaccurate claim regarding the invention of the computer. Obama reportedly stated that computers were invented by government scientists for communication, whereas the hosts clarify they were originally developed for ballistics calculations like the Univac.
AOL, Steve Forbes and Computer Appliance Myths
A retrospective on the early internet era recalls a conversation with Christopher Buckley about the perceived insignificance of the web compared to AOL. The discussion critiques Steve Forbes' late-90s prediction that computers would become simple "appliances." The hosts argue that computers, like cars, require a level of skill and will never be as simple as a toaster or refrigerator.
