15 Things Every ’90s Teen Did in the Computer Lab
Teens in the ’90s used school computer labs for typing lessons, games, early research, and digital creativity during class time.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the 1990s, computer labs became a regular part of school life as technology slowly entered classrooms. Students used the lab for school-related tasks, but often explored basic games and programs during free time. These early experiences helped shape how teens interacted with computers for both learning and entertainment.
1. Played Oregon Trail
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Many teens played The Oregon Trail during free periods or when teachers allowed it after work was finished. The game involved choosing supplies, managing a wagon, and facing challenges during a westward journey. It was often one of the only games installed on school computers. Students shared their game progress with classmates and discussed how far they had made it.
2. Printed Banners on Dot Matrix Printers
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Some students used programs like Print Shop to create banners using long continuous paper. The dot matrix printer was loud and slow, but it allowed teens to print words in large letters across many pages. These banners were sometimes used for birthdays or classroom decoration. The printed paper had holes along the edges that had to be removed manually.
3. Used Encarta for Research
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Microsoft Encarta was a digital encyclopedia installed on many school computers. Teens used it to look up information for class projects, especially when access to physical library books was limited. The software included text, images, and occasional video or sound clips. It provided a new way to learn, especially for students who preferred working on a computer.
4. Practiced Typing with Mavis Beacon
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Typing programs like Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing were part of many computer lab sessions. Students completed lessons to improve speed and accuracy. The program showed progress over time and gave feedback after each session. Typing practice was a regular part of weekly assignments.
5. Played Solitaire When Allowed
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Solitaire came pre-installed on most Windows computers. Some students played it during free time or when a teacher gave permission. It was easy to open and close, making it a common choice for a quick break. Some students tried to beat their own fastest times or scores.
6. Used Microsoft Paint for Doodling
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Microsoft Paint was a simple drawing tool that many teens used to create digital pictures. It allowed freehand drawing, shapes, text, and filling colors. Students often explored the tools without specific goals. Sometimes they printed their drawings to take home or show friends.
7. Made Cards with Print Shop or Similar Programs
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Programs like Print Shop let students design greeting cards, certificates, or posters. Teens selected templates, added clip art, and chose fonts. These projects were sometimes assigned by teachers, and other times done for fun. Finished designs were often printed out and given to classmates.
8. Sent Messages on Local Chat Systems
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Some schools had internal chat programs or network messaging tools. Students used them to send messages to nearby computers during lab time. Teachers usually discouraged this unless it was part of a class activity. Messages were short and sent between friends sitting across the room.
9. Changed Desktop Settings or Icons
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Students often explored computer settings during downtime. They changed the background image, moved icons, or adjusted mouse settings. These changes were usually harmless but sometimes caused confusion for the next user. Teachers sometimes had to reset the settings if they were changed too often.
10. Printed Clip Art or Joke Pages
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Clip art collections came with programs like Word or Print Shop. Teens printed pages with images or text just to share with friends. This used up paper and ink, which teachers tried to limit. Still, printing for fun was common when no strict rules were in place.
11. Tried to Access Blocked Content
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Some students looked for ways around filters that blocked websites or games. This included trying different URLs or typing web addresses from memory. Schools had basic security in place, but some teens found ways around it. These actions were usually against the rules and could result in being reported.
12. Opened a Typing Program Quickly if a Teacher Walked By
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When students were doing something off-task, they kept a school-approved program open to switch back to quickly. This included typing software or a blank Word document. It was a way to avoid getting in trouble. Many students learned this tactic by watching their classmates.
13. Watched Screensavers Instead of Working
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When a computer was idle, a screensaver would start after a few minutes. Some screensavers had moving shapes or patterns that students watched for fun. If no task was given, teens sometimes sat quietly and stared at the screen. It became a quiet moment in the middle of a busy class.
14. Used Floppy Disks to Save Files
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Floppy disks were used to store and transfer schoolwork. Each student usually had at least one for saving essays or projects. The disks had limited space and were easily damaged. Students often labeled them with their name or subject to avoid confusion.
15. Typed Random Words Just to Use the Keyboard
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Teens sometimes opened a word processor and typed without a purpose. They typed song lyrics, inside jokes, or made up stories. It was a way to practice keyboard use or pass the time. Teachers usually allowed it if the student had finished all assignments.