A High-Tech Luddite

Anyway, just to clarify a point or two, I tend to be a dichotomy or perhaps a paradox or perhaps just weird. I'm somewhat well-versed in things technical: I have a PhD in computer science, am a so-called "expert" in computer security, and I even use technology like cell phones when I travel (though I don't have my own) and have put up videos on YouTube. I've had web pages for almost 20 years (early '90s) and used email since the mid-80s. And my car (the Frankmobile Mark IV) is a Prius.

However, I use a computer from work (I finally retired my 1995 IBM Thinkpad 701C (with the butterfly keyboard), a 75MHz 80486 with 24M of RAM and 5G of disk (both were upgraded) after 10+ years of service) rather than my own, I don't have my own cell phone, I don't really watch (my tiny, old school) TV. I own a DVD player, but only using it a handful of times a year. I finally stopped bothering to set the time on my VCR since I haven't used that in years. I don't have cable TV, cable phone, or cable modem. I haven't bought a digital camera yet.

I only buy things on line when no reasonable alternative exists (like airline tickets). I don't use Facebook or LinkedIn or Twitter or other such things. I hate creating a new user account and password.

And so on, and so on.

My attitude is that if I want to use something new, there needs to be a reason why. There needs to be some benefit. And, the cost or impact needs to be considered as well. Often, I do like to do things the hard way or do things by hand so I know what is involved. That's not to say I don't use technology or modern conveniences. It's just that I try to use them with some thought and consideration first.

Oh well...I should go...looks like it's time to churn some butter...

feed.