Most Useful Technology In The Past 25 Years

[SirSnookalot]

Been think about this for awhile, for me it was about business and not personal use.

At first my thoughts were the cell phone, my first one was around 1988. After really thinking about it I decided the fax machine was of more importance to me, they had been around for many years but my fist was in 1990 ( glad to see thermo paper go ). The computer, mine was 1992 or so was a distant last. DOS operating system if anyone can remember, win 95 revolutionized the computer era. For 20 years of business computer use, my data was still backed up on hard paper copy, best move I ever made, paper doesn't crash.

[Lund Explorer]

Been think about this for awhile, for me it was about business and not personal use.

At first my thoughts were the cell phone, my first one was around 1988. After really thinking about it I decided the fax machine was of more importance to me, they had been around for many years but my fist was in 1990 ( glad to see thermo paper go ). The computer, mine was 1992 or so was a distant last. DOS operating system if anyone can remember, win 95 revolutionized the computer era. For 20 years of business computer use, my data was still backed up on hard paper copy, best move I ever made, paper doesn't crash.

Windows 95 completely changed how we worked as well. In my opinion DOS was an easier and faster operating system in that your hands never had to leave the keyboard, but the option to have several programs open at the same time finally made the need to grab a mouse worth the change.

When I first started in my career as an accountant in 1978, about 50% of our clients were still being kept on the old style columnar worksheets with hand typed financial statements. By 1980 all were converted and in 1982 we started processing tax returns by computer along with most spreadsheets being converted to Lotus 123. I'm actually with the same accounting software company I had in 1986, and even though the program is now Windows based, it still has some of the old DOS style "Alt-Key" commands built into it.

Business wise, I think the internet and email has been a mix of blessing and curse. Too easy for employees to waste time cruising the web rather than working. It still grinds me to remember the day I caught an employee updating her resume on a company computer I furnished her with, during the time I was paying her to work for me!

[Fishing Rhino]

Been think about this for awhile, for me it was about business and not personal use.

At first my thoughts were the cell phone, my first one was around 1988. After really thinking about it I decided the fax machine was of more importance to me, they had been around for many years but my fist was in 1990 ( glad to see thermo paper go ). The computer, mine was 1992 or so was a distant last. DOS operating system if anyone can remember, win 95 revolutionized the computer era. For 20 years of business computer use, my data was still backed up on hard paper copy, best move I ever made, paper doesn't crash.

DOS. LOL. I remember it well. I could actually type faster than the computer would enter the characters. Floppy discs for the program you wanted to run, and the cutting edge Lotus spread sheets.

I'd have to say that the pagers/cell phones, while they do have their uses have been the scourge of our culture. There is no escape. One is continuously connected by an electronic umbilical cord to what they try to escape from on weekends, vacations, or other off hours.

I know they serve many useful and vital purposes, and even save lives. But, more often than not, they are an annoyance, and even dangerous. See texting while driving.

[SirSnookalot]

I loved Lotus 123 spread sheets and used them until a few months ago, 123 is not compatible with windows 7, using excel now and I don't care for it nearly as much. No longer being in business it's not vital anymore but I did find away to access my old lotus spreadsheets with windows 7. I did have a "runtime problem", which crippled the program but I found a registry fix that solved it( I wrote it down just in case)

The cell phone was great but I thought I was smart enough to use it only when needed. I would never have it with me when meeting with an account, taking a call when you are in the middle of a conversation is not only rude but it tells your account the phone call is more important than him/her.

The fax was more important to me then. Not everyone had email or even knew how to attach a file, but almost all companies had a fax. I was able to give bids or send a copy of statements and a host of other messages very quickly.

[GrundleLove]

the internet/switches/routers/modems....no argument

thread over.

will also accept fleshlight

[deaknh03]

the internet/switches/routers/modems....no argument

thread over.

will also accept fleshlight

Where do you accept the fleshlights?

[Glenn]

Remember the 'ol "syntax error" message? LOL!!

> c:_

[slonezp]

Where do you accept the fleshlights?

Now the thread is over :D

[SirSnookalot]

the internet/switches/routers/modems....no argument

thread over.

will also accept fleshlight

The responses will vary depending on generation, occupations, and personal use. For me the internet was of very little use back in the early 90's for my business. AOL was of the biggest influences then with their chat rooms.

[BrianinMD]

My vote is the internet, nothing else has changed life/business/politics of the world more.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Smartphones and the internet. If used and incorporated in the right ways.

Also true RMS multi meters, least they're great for us field electricians.

[roadwarrior]

Air conditioning.

Widespread availability of this creature comfort made the South liveable.

I grew up in K.C. without air. We moved to Denver in 1980 and didn't buy an

air conditioner until my daughter was born in 1989. Now we live in Memphis.

I couldn't live here without it.

[midnighthrasher]

Rage Tail Craws!!!

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

I would like to see the opinions of everyone on technology in fishing.

[flippin and pitchin]

I think you qualified the question by " most useful?" My vote: Two ply. I guess I was a bit flippant. In my line of work, DNA profiling has had the most impact.

[mr.mallard]

growing up in memphis,

I didnt realize pople didnt own homes without air conditioners

I thought if you had running water you would have air conditioners.

[Wayne P.]

I would like to see the opinions of everyone on technology in fishing.

Recreational Side Imaging sonar in 2004

[MrsTomustang]

I'll go granular on this to the 'technology' level as we all benefit from the advancement of metallurgical process and production of mono and polycrystalline silicia as well as Schumacher and Siemens process.

The end products we all appreciate and take for granted are because of the advancements in the foundation technologies.

Fiber optics is a close 2nd.

[aavery2]

I'm going to go a whole different route and say the Jagermeister dispenser.

[FD.]

Multimate - the first useable word processor. 1986 ish.

PVC pipe - about 35 years ago

Smart phone with gmail app. 6 months ago. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Completely revolutionized communication with my clients and has probably increased my backlog by 15%.

[Stringjam]

The internet...of course.

If it weren't for the 'net, I wouldn't be able to enjoy things like this:

Or learn about Japanese culture...

[Fishing Rhino]

growing up in memphis,

I didnt realize pople didnt own homes without air conditioners

I thought if you had running water you would have air conditioners.

Back in the good ol' Uncle Remus South, if you had running water it meant a brook ran by your home.

[Fishing Rhino]

The internet...of course.

If it weren't for the 'net, I wouldn't be able to enjoy things like this:

Or learn about Japanese culture...

LOL. Young Jedis in training?

[skg]

Hi All,

First time poster and after reading through this post I thought I'd share a new piece of technology I developed. iFishEarth is a new system for viewing fishing reports and pictures from guides and recreational fisherman. It's currently available on the iPhone and web, free on both. I know it's bad practice to include a url on a post but the website is iFishEarth.com and I would like to hear anyone's thoughts or feedback about the new way of looking at fishing reports. Thanks