by Bruce Tyson

Created on: February 16, 2010

Can you remember what it was like before you had a computer? It’s hard to remember the days of keeping a checkbook ledger on paper, but how that worked seems very vague. What was it like to wonder about things without being able to look them up on the Internet? Typewriters used to be cool.

A lot has changed in a short time. Now it’s almost impossible to go without a computer for a day. Without your computer you can’t check your schedule, pay your bills, find out how much money is in the bank, communicate via email, shop, play, relax, and work. In short, it is not possible to do without it for even one day.

The thought of doing without a computer for a day is like the techno version of the Great American Smoke Out except that we all know that we can’t quit. Just suppose, however, that it was possible to go without your computer for a day: just suppose. What would you do?

Work on the house

The pipes need fixing. Paint needs to be stripped. The water heater needs to be repaired and so does the washing machine. With the computer gone, this is a great chance to get some of this work done. Uh Oh! You need the computer to look up how to fix the pipes, how to strip paint, how to troubleshoot the water heater and how to take the washer apart. Looks like you can’t do any of this until tomorrow.

Work on the car

There’s always something wrong with the car, so why not work on that? You can wash it, but you need to get the tar off the bottom panels, but you can’t look it up to find out how to do it. You can change the oil, but you need to look up what kind of oil your car takes.

Do your taxes

You are so bored, you decide to sit down and do your taxes. Wait a minute! The tax forms are online: so are the directions for how to fill them out. Can’t do that!

Go shopping

You want to go shopping, but you need to know how much money you have. To do that, you need the computer, so that will have to wait too.

Talk to friends and family on the phone

You want to call Mom or check on your friends, but your phone runs on your computer, so that will have to wait until tomorrow.

Play cards

Since you’re stuck at home, why not play some card games. Uh Oh. You don’t remember the rules of how to play. You’d look it up, but you’re not allowed to use your computer!

Watch TV

You can probably watch TV, but how are you going to find out what shows are on without your computer? If you have digital cable or satellite, you’ll be in luck since you can search with your remote.

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