Sometimes it takes a Nerd to get the job done

Copyright © 2004-2011 Milton Hicks -- All Rights Reserved

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I am an aging Micro Computer Nerd who built his first computer around August 1976 using the 8080 CPU and lots of wire wrap. No monitor, no printer, no storage devices, and even before "Windows", cp/m, and even DOS. I should have taken lots of pictures back then, but at the time it was just barely a hobby, not knowing then that these were historical times.

While looking for a source for electronic parts I got involved with another nerd connected with the West Coast Heathkit warehouse in Anaheim, CA, and the later development of the Heathki "H8" 8-bit micro computer, the "H9" monitor, and even later the all-in-one "H89".

Remarkable period it was but soon to be invaded by "Big Blue", IBM, and the only person willing to do business with the coat and tie people was......Bill Gates.

Of course all this occurred after I left the Navy after 12 years of service in 1974 and returned to civilian life in Southern California. During that period I had gone through 7 training schools, which included Electronics Technician, Nuclear Weapons Specialist, with security clearances higher than most people ever knew existed, and included 2-1/2 tours of duty fighting the Vietnam Conflict.  Not fun, but I was hooked on techy stuff.

Even earlier in life I did my high schools years on a tiny island called Taiwan (formerly Formosa), thanks to a military father, and I learned how not to live like a typical ‘American’ teenager.  It’s an education in itself that has carried me through life since.