Lesson 36. Section 1. Home computers.
Just before I give a few details about the, er, fun aspect of computers, that is, for use at home and for entertainment, I'd like to mention a couple of facts about the outlook for ISDN, that's the integrated services digital network, and it foresees a world-wide telecommunications network which could transmit telex and voice signals and indeed full-colour video images and high-speed computer data.

Now can you just imagine having a meeting with your colleagues around the world without even leaving your office? Well, that's what world-wide video teleconferencing can do, and it's on the cards that internal toll-free telephones may be available and also faster computer transmission with a digital network.

And how are all these marvellous things achieved? Well, there are satellites relays and digital packet switching, and laser devices which transmit over fibre-optic cables.

But more about that another time. And after that slight diversion, I'll get back to a totally different aspect of modern technology, home computers or PCs, that stands for personal computers.

First, a bit of background. Some people attribute this growth industry to the recession which led to redundancies and a shorter working week, and this in turn led to more leisure time.

So what are people doing with this extra free time that's on their hands? They are indulging in home entertainment, that's what?

Hundreds of companies have sprung up to fill this gap, and the sports, DIY and home entertainment industries are achieving phenomenal success.