Daily writing prompt

Write about your first computer.

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I first saw a computer when I was in second grade. One of my seniors used to play games, and we would gather around just to watch. That computer had a big box-type monitor, a keyboard with large keys, a roller mouse, and a bulky CPU.

Coincidentally, the same thing happened after I shifted to another school. Once again, I watched others play games — and this time, I also got a chance to play.

The first computer I personally owned had a Pentium CPU, an LCD display, a Logitech keyboard and mouse, and an HP printer. It also had wired speakers. I didn’t use it much. I mostly used it for drawing in MS Paint and listening to songs. It didn’t stay with us for very long.

Later came a Gateway laptop, which I still have with me even after more than 8 years. It is still running strong. Although it became slow with Windows, I replaced the operating system with Linux — specifically Lubuntu, a lightweight version of Ubuntu. Now it runs marvelously and feels fast again.

My advice to anyone who has an old laptop or desktop: don’t throw it away or give it up too quickly. You can still use these machines with Linux-based operating systems that offer Windows-like interfaces. With a little learning, you can make your old computer feel almost like new.