My First Computer: A Millennial’s Journey Through Technology

Daily writing prompt

Write about your first computer.

I think my family bought our first computer back in 1997 or 1998. It was probably a Dell, though I can’t be too sure. What I do know for certain is that my first laptop was a Dell—and boy, were those things heavy! As a millennial, I feel lucky. I am part of the first generation to truly grow up with computers. I watched them evolve from a novelty to a necessity.

Before we had our own family computer, I remember my grandpa on my mom’s side owning a huge word processor. It had floppy disks. The screen was black, the font color was green, and it looked like something straight out of The Matrix. I would often play with it, pretending I was hard at “work.” We also had a beautiful typewriter, which I deeply regret giving away. I have a soft spot for all things vintage, and if it belonged to my grandpa, even more so. Family heirlooms have a special place in my heart.

When we finally got our own computer, I was fascinated by the idea of being connected to the internet. And of course, that meant AOL. Millennials will never forget that ear-piercing dial-up noise—an unavoidable anthem of the early internet age. It was mind-blowing to be able to search for anything. Back then, the internet was still new, and everyone was captivated by its endless possibilities. It’s crazy to think that I was born before Google. Now, I can’t imagine life without it.

Computers themselves have been around since the 1950s, but home computers didn’t really take off until much later. I feel privileged to have been part of the generation that experienced their introduction into everyday life. Today, I’m a full-fledged Apple junkie—iPhone, MacBook Air, and Mac desktop. I can’t picture a time without computers anymore; they’re an extension of who we are. And let’s be honest. Just about everyone has some form of a computer now. It might be a tablet, a laptop, or even just their phone.

My first experience using a computer at school was in elementary school, where we had a few learning activities. One game stands out in my memory. It was an alligator game where you had to help the alligator cross the water. You had to avoid hitting obstacles like logs. I can’t recall its name, but it was so much fun. I couldn’t wait until we had time to go to the computer lab at school. That early exposure solidified my love for technology.

And of course, how could I forget the early internet culture? The chat rooms, the infamous “ASL?” question. BonziBuddy was the little purple monkey. He acted as our first virtual assistant long before Siri or Alexa were in the picture. It’s surreal to look back on those days and realize how far we’ve come.

Being part of the generation that started it all feels like an honor. We witnessed the birth of the internet. We saw the rise of social media. Computers transformed from bulky machines to sleek, pocket-sized powerhouses. Even as technology advances, I’ll cherish those first memories. I recall the wonder, the excitement, and, yes, even the sound of dial-up.