Making the Most of the Micro

Series 1

Making the Most of the Micro was a TV series broadcast in 1983 as part of the BBC's Computer Literacy Project. It followed the earlier series The Computer Programme. Unlike its predecessor, Making the Most of the Micro delved somewhat deeper into the technicalities and uses that microcomputers could be put to, once again mainly using the BBC Micro in the studio for demonstration purposes. The series was followed by Micro Live.

Where to Watch Series 1

10 Episodes

The Versatile Machine
E1
The Versatile MachineIn the first programme in the series, Ian shows how versatile the modern micro computer is. Richard Gomm suffers from cerebral palsy and uses micro to lead a fuller life - including getting a PhD in Philosophy. Bruce Banks Sails Ltd: Ian rep from Southampton on a firm which produces sails for yachts, designing them by micro. Looks at valve computer they used to use, which was installed in the late "50"s. Ian demos new micro computer and holds up what has replaced the valve computer between his finger & thumb. Ian and John Coll talk thru a demo he gives with BBC Micro, explaining peripherals & how to load the program. Ian is superimposed on enlarged inside of a BBC Micro looking at various parts of the computer & explaining what they are there and how they work (e.g. memory chips).
Getting Down to BASIC
E2
Getting Down to BASICIan presents the second programme in the series on using micro computers; intros computer language of BASIC and with aid of children at Queen Junior Schooll Richmond, explains how BASIC is structured by writing a simple program
Strings And Things
E3
Strings And ThingsIan presents the third programme in the series about micro-computers and how to use them. Today Ian looks at how computers handle words, "string" handling, word processing and at the techniques of good and bad programming.
Introducing Graphics
E4
Introducing GraphicsIan looks at the graphics versatility of modern micro-computers with the help of John Coll.
Keeping A Record
E5
Keeping A RecordIan presents a programme looking at the fundamental principles behind the idea of a database and begins his explanation in the BBC Gramophone Library amongst a million records.
Getting Down To Business
E6
Getting Down To BusinessIan introducess this programme which looks at the application of the micro-computer in small businesses.
Sounds Interesting
E7
Sounds InterestingIan presents a studio based programme on micro computers, with David Ellis he looks at sound generation both simple and sophisticated and examines elements of a music editor then looks at other languages than Basic.
Everything Under Control
E8
Everything Under ControlIn the eighth programme of the series, Ian examines a variety of micro-computer controlled device applications, from a sophisticated mechanical hand for disabled people to robot vehicles.
Moving Pictures
E9
Moving PicturesIn the ninth programme of the series, Ian who with the help of Ian Trackman, Software Consultant, investigates the extent to which the personal micro-computer can be used for computer graphics and animation.
At The End Of The Line
E10
At The End Of The LineIan and John Coll presents the final programme in the seriew which looks at the use of computers for communications via networking, telephone and electronic mail.