Can you imagine a world without the World Wide Web?

I can. I experienced it.

During those times when computers were mostly for big businesses, governments, and rich individuals, we had entirely different ways to go about our daily lives. It’s funny, but we seem to forget the good old days.

1. Want to talk to a friend, and your home telephone is busted? Look for a payphone. (But first, look for coins!)

2. Want to hear your new favorite song again and again? Buy a cassette tape. Or, time the song on the radio and record it!

3. Missed a TV show? Watch out for the replay. If there is none, write the TV station, and hope they send you a copy!

4. Need notes from your professor? Write it down, or ask for his acetate (do you know what this is?), or borrow your friend’s notebook and brink it to a photocopier.

5. Need to do research on a topic? Go to a library, search in the card catalogue, write down the name of the book or journal with its edition or volume number, and hand it over to the librarian. If the librarian is not there, stroll through the dusty cabinets yourself.

6. Want to watch a movie? Rent it from your neighbourhood video store. If it is that good, chances are, someone else has it, and there will be a waiting list.

7. Is your special someone or your spouse working miles away? Dial 108 or 109, and tell the operator the number you want to call. But that is an expensive option. If you want, you could record your voice on a cassette recorder and send it via mail. Or just write a letter. Wait for a week or two for the response!

8. Want to deliver a sweet unique message? Try sending a singing telegram!

9. Haven’t talked to a friend for a long time, but you don’t know his or her number or address? Try searching the telephone directory white pages.

10. If you need a business service and you do not have the number, then you can look in the telephone directory yellow pages.

11. Need to submit a non-handwritten report? Borrow a typewriter. And prepare an extra ribbon and rolls of Touch n’ Go. Then, forward it through a fax machine.