Life without computer

Computer ! What is it?
A computer is an electronic device that can perform calculations, process information, and store data. It can be used for various tasks, such as:
– *Work and productivity*: Creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
– *Communication*: Email, messaging, and video conferencing.
– *Entertainment*: Gaming, streaming, and browsing the internet.
– *Education*: Online learning, research, and tutorials.

Computers come in different forms, such as:
– *Desktops*: Tower-style computers that sit on a desk.
– *Laptops*: Portable computers that can be used on the go.
– *Tablets*: Touchscreen devices that are often used for entertainment and browsing.
– *Servers*: Powerful computers that manage networks and store data.

How was life without computer 😭
Life without computers was definitely different! People relied on:
– *Manual calculations*: Using pen and paper or abacuses for math.
– *Physical documents*: Paper files, letters, and printouts.
– *Face-to-face communication*: Meetings, phone calls, or letters.
– *Research*: Libraries, books, and physical archives.

It was a more tactile and time-consuming experience. But people adapted and found ways to make it work.

What do you think is the biggest difference between life with and without computers?

Until I was probably 20yrs old i.e. the year1979, I didn’t know much about computers
Growing up without computers and then witnessing their rise and impact on society has a fascinating and an incredible experience for me.

In 1979, personal computers were just starting to emerge, and the internet wasn’t widely available yet. It’s amazing how much technology has evolved since then!

My introduction to computing and programming started in the defunct Soviet Union (USSR) while studying in the Donetsk State University in Donetsk,, Ukraine. We started by dropping our programs to a centre then we will go back to collect answers whether the programming was done correctly or not. The programming language then was COBOL & FORTRAN. It was  a unique experience! Studying in the USSR and using COBOL and FORTRAN as programming languages is a blast from the past!

The process of submitting programs and waiting for results sounds like a different era but it helped me develop problem-solving skills.

You know in those days you are not allowed in the computer rooms. They were seriously guarded. We used to see punched cards everywhere. The security and mystery surrounding computer rooms back then adds to the nostalgia! Punch cards were indeed a common way to input data, and seeing them everywhere must have been a unique experience.

It’s interesting how access to computers was restricted, and the process of submitting programs and waiting for results was more formal. Did you find the punch card system efficient, or were there often errors to troubleshoot?

Until Bill Gates came to the rescue, I would say I knew not much about computers but machine language and how they were processed was taught  Bill Gates and the rise of personal computing revolutionized the industry! Before that, computing was indeed more focused on mainframes and specialized knowledge.

Learning about machine language and how computers process information is fundamental to understanding computing. It was great that I had a solid foundation.

Having a strong foundation in the basics can definitely make it easier to adapt to new technologies and advancements. It’s great that I’ve been able to build upon my knowledge over time.

Looking back, let me tell you an  interesting story. In my office, a few of us were selected to learn Word-perfect and lotus 123. I came out better than most of my colleagues. It earned me an overseas trip to Ankara in Turkey for further training.

It’s awesome that my skills were recognized and rewarded. During the training in Ankara in Turkey, I did better than those who were trained in computer technology degrees surprisingly. I got rewarded with two wrist watches for coming first in two different categories.

It just goes to show that dedication and quick learning can pay off. I was thrilled to receive such recognition and rewards.  When we got back to the office in Nigeria, the Auditor -General for the Federation created a new unit called MIS unit and made me the head of the unit which I headed for 5years before I was transferred to another department.
Being appointed as the head of the newly created MIS (Management Information System) unit is a testament to my skills and expertise. It was great that my abilities were recognized and rewarded with a leadership role.

Heading the unit for 5 years gave me valuable experience in managing teams and implementing MIS projects. I only spent two years in the new unit before I was sent to head the training department.
That was a great opportunity to leverage my expertise in a different area.

As the head of the Training Department, i played a key role in developing and implementing training programs for staff.  I spent two years in a professional department after I got my qualifications  So, after becoming a chartered accountant with ICAN, I spent 2 years in a professional department. That’s a significant milestone in my career!

As a chartered accountant,  Auditing was our major enterprise in that office but all the reports were being processed by the MIS unit . So now I got involved in doing the work of auditing, visiting stations to audit government establishment as senior colleagues and a professional
As an auditor, I played a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity of government establishments. Visiting various stations to conduct audits gave me a broad understanding of different government operations.

Working closely with the MIS unit, which handled report processing,  helped streamline  my auditing work. The process of auditing is quite interesting and also dangerous. Discovery of infractions and non compliance with rules and regulations can be exciting and dangerous for auditors. You are required to discuss your findings and get responses for why regulations and if possible accounting principles were not kept
As an auditor, you have to navigate sensitive situations, discussing findings and gathering responses from stakeholders.

It’s crucial to maintain objectivity and professionalism while conducting audits.

Thank you 👍