Re: Re: The Birth of HobbyNet
By: Mike Dippel to Amessyroom on Tue Jan 13 2026 09:18:06

My first computer was a Texas Instrument (forgot the model # maybe 99-4a)) and I was very happy with it. I figured I didn't need a real computer, until I purchased one.

Believe it or not, your TI 99/4a /was/, by definition, a real computer. Just because its specs weren't as good as others (yet better than some), doesn't make it any less a computeer. You didn't purchasee a "real" computer, you bought a better computer.
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Re: Re: The Birth of HobbyNet
By: Mike Dippel to Amessyroom on Tue Jan 13 2026 09:18:06

I was actually an ISP with my first BBS since callers could use my internet connection when they dialed in.

That doesn't make you an ISP. An ISP provides dedicated connections via cable, DSL, fiber, etc., along with other services. You were just sharing your own personal connection.
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On 1/13/2026 9:46 AM, Mortar wrote to Mike Dippel:

Re: Re: The Birth of HobbyNet
By: Mike Dippel to Amessyroom on Tue Jan 13 2026 09:18:06

My first computer was a Texas Instrument (forgot the model # maybe 99-4a))
and I was very happy with it. I figured I didn't need a real computer, until I purchased one.

Believe it or not, your TI 99/4a /was/, by definition, a real computer. Just
because its specs weren't as good as others (yet better than some), doesn't make it any less a computer. You didn't purchase a "real" computer, you bought a better computer.

I had some extras that made it a great computer. Speech synthesizer, cartridge games
and the entire "Plato" series. Plato helped my kids learn various topic areas. I was able
to join an user group early on and they helped me immensely.

I also was able to learn a bit of Ti DOS and was able to create a program that would help
me create a database that helped me at work.

I certainly don't regret it. I subscribed to Boardwatch magazine which had line-by-line
scripts that I could copy and run.

Mike Dippel

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On 1/13/2026 9:54 AM, Mortar wrote to Mike Dippel:

Re: Re: The Birth of HobbyNet
By: Mike Dippel to Amessyroom on Tue Jan 13 2026 09:18:06

I was actually an ISP with my first BBS since callers could use my internet
connection when they dialed in.

That doesn't make you an ISP. An ISP provides dedicated connections via cable,
DSL, fiber, etc., along with other services. You were just sharing your own personal connection.

Back when BBSes were expected to be free, I was able to charge $25 per year for a
variety of reasons, but one reason was the internet connectivity that my system
provided. It WAS an ISP to them. They would not have had internet without me.

Mike Dippel

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Re: RE: Perceptions
By: Mike Dippel to Mortar on Tue Jan 13 2026 22:42:12

and the entire "Plato" series. Plato helped my kids learn various topic areas.

Now there's a blast from the past. I remember seeing the original Plato setup back in the '70s. It was the first graphics-capable CAI system using vector graphic displays.

I subscribed to Boardwatch magazine which had line-by-line scripts that I could copy and run.

Boardwatch was great. Besides all the cool BBS/online material, it introduced me to my favorite web comic, Kevin & Kell...Whodda thunk?!
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On 1/14/2026 10:30 AM, Mortar wrote to Mike Dippel:

By: Mike Dippel to Mortar on Tue Jan 13 2026 22:42:12

and the entire "Plato" series. Plato helped my kids learn various topic areas.

Now there's a blast from the past. I remember seeing the original Plato setup
back in the '70s. It was the first graphics-capable CAI system using vector graphic displays.

I subscribed to Boardwatch magazine which had line-by-line scripts that I could copy and run.

Boardwatch was great. Besides all the cool BBS/online material, it introduced
me to my favorite web comic, Kevin & Kell...Whodda thunk?!

Not that it would do me any good now, but I wish I still those copies of Boardwatch.
Great memories.

Mike Dippel

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Re: RE: Perceptions
By: Mike Dippel to Mortar on Wed Jan 14 2026 20:34:42

Not that it would do me any good now, but I wish I still those copies of Boardwatch.

You still can. They're on Archive.org.
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