16 Forgotten Tech Conventions from the ’80s
Many technology habits and tools from the 1980s were once normal but are now mostly forgotten.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Technology in the 1980s followed different standards than what we use today. People depended on slower, more manual systems to get work done. These old conventions show how much personal computing and tech use have changed over time.
1. Dial-Up Modems
Retro-Computing Society of Rhode Island on Wikimedia Commons
To connect to the internet in the 1980s, users needed a dial-up modem that used a phone line. It made loud connection noises and often took several tries to connect. If someone picked up the phone, the internet connection would drop. The speed was very slow, and websites loaded in minutes, not seconds.
2. Floppy Disks
George Chernilevsky on Wikimedia Commons
Floppy disks were the main way to store files and install programs. They held very little data, usually less than 1.5 megabytes. Many programs required several disks to install fully. The disks were sensitive to heat, magnets, and scratches.
3. Manual Software Installation
Sapphireasa on Wikimedia Commons
Software came on floppy disks or cassette tapes and had to be installed by following written instructions. Often, this meant typing commands into the computer without any visual interface. One wrong step could cause errors, and installation might have to be restarted. There was no automatic setup or help built into the system.
4. Printed Driving Directions
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People used early computer programs to print directions before traveling. There was no live GPS or map app to guide the route. If you took a wrong turn, you had to stop and figure it out using the printed sheet. Updates to roads or traffic conditions were not available.
5. CRT Monitors
Георгий Якубович on Wikimedia Commons
Monitors in the 1980s used cathode ray tube (CRT) technology and were large and heavy. They took up a lot of desk space and could strain your eyes with long use. The image quality was lower compared to flat screens today. Moving a CRT monitor usually required both hands and some effort.
6. Command-Line Interfaces
Vitaly Zdanevich on Wikimedia Commons
Most computers did not use graphical interfaces and relied on command-line systems like MS-DOS. Users had to memorize commands to copy files, open programs, or delete data. There were no icons or menus. Basic tasks required typing exactly the right text.
7. Wired Accessories Only
Tekniska museet on Wikimedia Commons
All accessories, such as keyboards and printers, are connected through cables. There were no wireless devices for home users. Desks had many wires running in different directions. If a cable failed, the device stopped working entirely.
8. Printed Software Manuals
FlossManuals on Wikimedia Commons
Programs came with thick printed manuals that explained how to use them. The manuals were often hundreds of pages long. Users read them to learn basic functions. Online help and video tutorials did not exist.
9. Bulletin Board Systems (BBS)
Renegadebbs on Wikimedia Commons
Before websites became common, users connected to bulletin board systems through phone lines. Each BBS was hosted by an individual or group and often served a small local area. You could post messages, download files, or join discussions. Connections were slow and usually limited to one user at a time.
10. Limited Multitasking
WikiScis on Wikimedia Commons
Most computers could run only one program at a time. Switching between tasks meant closing one and opening another. There were no tabs, background apps, or real-time notifications. This limited productivity and required careful planning.
11. Dot Matrix Printers
Corvair on Wikimedia Commons
These printers used tiny pins to strike ink onto paper, creating letters and shapes. They were loud and slow compared to modern printers. Graphics were low quality, and printing color was rare. The paper had holes on the sides to help it feed through the printer.
12. Tuning TVs for Game Consoles
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Game consoles connected to televisions using analog signals. Users had to tune their TVs to a specific channel, usually channel 3 or 4. If the picture was fuzzy, manual adjustments were needed. There was no HDMI or automatic setup.
13. Local Computer Clubs
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People joined local clubs to talk about computers, share advice, and trade software. These clubs often met in libraries or community centers. They were a key way to learn about new programs and hardware. Online forums were not available yet.
14. Hardware Jumpers and Switches
PantheraLeo1359531 on Wikimedia Commons
Many devices required manual configuration through small pins called jumpers. These jumpers controlled how the hardware worked with the rest of the system. Users had to read the manual and place the pins correctly. Getting it wrong meant the device wouldn’t work.
15. Screen Savers for Burn-In
winkelnkemper on Wikimedia Commons
Older CRT monitors could get image burn-in if left on the same screen for too long. Screen savers were designed to prevent this by creating motion on the screen. They were not just decorative like they are now. Burn-in damage could be permanent.
16. TV Listings for Tech Shows
Mythbuntu team on Wikimedia Commons
To watch technology shows, users had to check printed TV guides. There were no streaming services or DVRs. Missing a broadcast meant waiting for a repeat. Schedules had to be followed closely.