Upon retirement in 1982, I bought my first computer on the theory that I would need something to occupy my mind and, I hoped, would keep it at least partially alive during my waning years. Surprisingly, I was right. After going through three computers (ready to order the fourth), spending an inordinate number of hours on self-study and learning several new curse words, I feel qualified to speak out on the advantages and disadvantages of owning one.

    Unquestionably, the use of a computer at home is a desirable way to sharpen one's mind. Being approximately correct will not do. The computer is a mathematically designed device and, like the study of mathematics, being close to the correct solution will not suffice. After much experimentation and an equal number of expletives, getting the machine to do what one expects is a marvelously uplifting experience. Over the years I have installed dozens of new programs, and getting each to work as promised in the ads takes time, fortitude, luck, and often, prior experience. Many relative newcomers to computers give up too soon, not realizing that the majority of users had to go through the same frustrating process but stuck it out eventually to become fairly proficient. The novices have probably forgotten that learning to drive a car or program a VCR also took time, fortitude and luck.

    In the home, aside from business use and games, the computer can be quite useful. It can keep track of your investments and your net worth; it can keep an inventory of your household contents or anything else; it can sort lists (frequently a real labor-saver); it can write letters and easily correct and format them; and a real benefit it can organize and keep permanent records of all of the above without the use of paper or utilizing extra space. It can even record your checkbook data and balance your account painlessly and accurately.

    Surprisingly, perhaps, the computer is turning out to be a boon for retirees. Classes for older people are being held in many places and are well attended. Why? Retirees are interested for the very reasons enumerated above. Being computer literate today is not just for the young, although it’s almost impossible to go through elementary, secondary and tertiary (college) education without being exposed to and often required to take a class or two in the subject.

    For those brave enough to face the Internet and who have the requisite power in their computer it can be a most interesting (sometimes even rewarding) experience. The use of e-mail has become almost de rigeur. Its impact on the postal service must be significant. My three children, almost all of my grandchildren and many friends are on the Internet, and we correspond regularly. (Letter-writing, I fear, soon will go out of style.) Another advantage of the Internet is that one may make contact with people or organizations almost anywhere in the world with no greater effort than making a local contact. Last, if one learns how to search the Internet efficiently, a wealth of useful information is available.

    However, it is unfortunate, in my opinion, that so many people use the Internet for silly, inane and improper purposes. They clog the Net and thus slow it down. Yet our adherence to the principle of free speech prevents any obvious remedial action.

    Perhaps the only other regret one may have is that computers, and especially the Internet, have probably greatly diminished the reading of books and the honing of writing and mathematical skills for the young. These are still required for their proper education. It’s too late for the rest of us.

    Brage Golding, past president of San Diego State University, is the father of San Diego’s mayor.