Cheryl Faye Schwartz
and Computers
After using the computer only for astrology
for almost a year, I decided to see if I could use it for my business. I made up a primitive invoice and
typed in all of the products I carried. Every time I sold something, I would write it down
on a piece of paper attached to the refrigerator and, once a week, I would enter the new
totals in the computer. This was not very efficient because many times I would forget to
write down items that were removed from stock. It was then that I decided to purchase some
accounting software. I went to the store and began to read the descriptions on all of the
boxes until my head was spinning. Then, I finally asked a clerk to make a recommendation.
He said, "we're having a special on Peachtree Accounting for Windows." If you
buy Peachtree, you get Windows 3.1 for an additional $25. I told him that I wasn't
interested in Windows because it seemed to be "frilly" and not something a
person would use for a business or for astrology. The clerk smiled and said that he
thought I'd like Windows. I figured, for $25, it was OK to take a chance. I bought it and
it worked very well to produce invoices and automatically subtract the products from
inventory. I was pleased. However, now I'm a WINDOWS JUNKIE! I couldn't get enough - first
Windows 3.1, then Windows for Workgroups 3.11, then WINDOWS 95 and finally, WINDOWS 98.
I joined the Microsoft Plus Forum on CompuServe and became
intrigued by what Windows 95 (back then, they were calling it "Chicago") could
do. I felt like I was being teased!! I wanted to get in on it, but I was just a
biochemist, not a "computer person," so I would have to wait - and wait - and
wait …..Then I was told about the Windows 95 Preview Program where ordinary people,
like myself, would be given a chance to test drive Windows 95 before it hit the store
shelves. I was so excited I couldn't wait. But I had to wait, and wait some more until the
Preview copies were finally released. I was one of the first people to order a copy.
Actually, I ordered 2 copies - one for myself and one for the lab where I worked. I endured the early
Preview versions that trashed a couple of machines as well as the later copies that were
fantastic sometimes and a nightmare at other times. I spent many hours on the phone with
the wonderful people at Microsoft technical
support and I lost a lot of sleep when I had trouble at night or on a weekend when
technical support wasn't available. I learned a great deal about Windows 95 and after
Windows 95 was launched in August of 1995, I was called upon by many friends and
colleagues when they had problems or if they needed advice. I actually appeared in the
Windows 95 Launch Event. I was supposed to appear on national TV in Microsoft's TV
special called, "The Start of Something New." I spent 8 hours with a film
crew from Universal Studios. They came to my lab and then drove home with me.
Three days before the program was supposed to be on TV, I received a phone call from the
producer who told me my part was cut from the show. I was never so disappointed in
my life! My only chance on National TV ended up on the cutting room floor. Oh
well.....
During the Preview period, I was asked if I wanted to beta test
the Microsoft Network (msn)and I eagerly accepted. Later in
the beta testing phase of msn, we
were given access to the Internet using Microsoft's Internet Explorer. It was my first
experience with a graphical browser on the Internet and I loved it. I quickly learned how
to navigate the 'net , find information, and shop. Then, it
occurred to me that I could put my business, BenSalem
Naturals, on the Internet. However, I had no idea how to do it. But, as fate would
have it, I received a letter from the GreenMoney Journal informing me that they would be
putting up a Web site and asked if I'd
like to join them. I immediately phoned and said I was looking for exactly what they were
offering. As a member of Business for Social
Responsibility, I wouldn't put my business just anywhere -
but it had to be with an organization, like GreenMoney, that shared my commitment to the
health and welfare of humans, animals, and plants. Then it occurred to me - I didn't know how to create a Web document! I did some reading and
learned some very basic and primitive HTML and got the first few pages up September 1,
1995. A little while later, I discovered Microsoft's
Internet Assistant for Word which enabled me to create more sophisticated
documents. Six months later, I became the Webmaster (Webmistress???) for the Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center. I
still have never learned how to type.
Currently, I design and maintain webs and do tech support for my
"technically challenged" husband as well as for other people. I can't think of
life without a computer. It has enabled me to do things I never dreamed of.
