Abstracts
Abstract
The subject of this paper is the computer hobby movement in Canada and its role in the introduction and social acceptance of personal computing in this country. The paper offers a case study that focuses on the activities of arguably the earliest Canadian computer hobby organization named the Toronto Region Association of Computer Enthusiasts. The objective of the study is to document and analyze the first decade of the microcomputer hobby movement in Canada and its role in bringing computing into the homes of Canadians.
Résumé
Le sujet de cet article est le mouvement des amateurs d’ordinateur au Canada et son rôle dans l’introduction et l’acceptation sociale de l’ordinateur personnel dans ce pays. L’article propose une étude de cas qui met l’accent sur les activités de la Toronto Region Association of Computer Enthusiasts, probablement la première organisation de ce genre au Canada. L’objectif de l’étude est de documenter et analyser la première décennie du mouvement des amateurs d’ordinateur au Canada et le rôle qu’il a joué dans l’introduction de l’ordinateur personnel dans les foyers canadiens.
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Appendices
Notes biographiques
Dov Lungu is a lecturer in Natural Science and in Science and Technology Studies at York University. After completing his PhD at the University of London, he worked in the information technology industry as well as in several institutions of higher education and research, including the Centre for International Studies at the London School of Economics and the Centre for Advanced Studies at IBM Canada. His publications are in the areas of international history and human-computer interaction.
Zbigniew Stachniak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at York University. He is also the curator of the York University Computer Museum. His main areas of research include Artificial Intelligence and History of Computing.