It's time to make computing personal again (vintagecomputing.com)

Article summary

The article argues that the tech industry has become overly focused on profit and surveillance, eroding the freedoms that personal computers once promised. The author suggests that this is due to the rise of extractive business models, digital rights management, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few large corporations. The article calls for a return to the principles of personal computing, where individuals have control over their own devices and data. This can be achieved through a combination of individual actions, such as supporting open-source software and storing data locally, and broader systemic changes, such as comprehensive privacy legislation and right to repair laws.

Main themes

• Personal computing
• Surveillance capitalism
• Digital rights management
• Extractive business models
• Tech industry critique
• Privacy and security

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that personal computing can still be achieved through individual effort and the use of alternative technologies, such as open-source software and self-hosted services.
• Others believe that the average person is not tech-savvy enough to take control of their own computing, and that the industry's focus on convenience and ease of use has led to a loss of control and autonomy.
• There is disagreement about the effectiveness of alternative software, such as LibreOffice, in replacing proprietary products like Microsoft Office, with some arguing that it is not a viable substitute for professional use.
• Some commenters suggest that the problem is not just with individual choices, but with the broader systemic issues, such as the concentration of power in the tech industry and the lack of regulation, which need to be addressed through policy changes.
• A few commenters argue that the nostalgia for older computing models is misplaced, and that the current state of technology offers more opportunities for creativity and experimentation than ever before.
• Others believe that the industry's focus on profit and growth has led to a decline in the quality of user experience, and that a return to more personal and local forms of computing could lead to a more fulfilling and creative relationship with technology.