My Journey into the World of IT

My Father

My fascination with IT began at a very young age, thanks to the environment I grew up in. My father was an early adopter of PCs, but unlike most people who used them for work or gaming, he found joy in configuring and experimenting with them. I remember watching him as he meticulously adjusted settings, installed new software, and explored the capabilities of his machine. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it wasn’t long before I found myself drawn to the computer screen.

One of my earliest memories is playing a game called “Mathe Blaster” on my father’s PC. It was an educational game, but to me, it was a gateway to the endless possibilities that computers could offer. I spent hours on it, not just playing but also exploring how the game worked, and what made it run. This curiosity set the foundation for my IT career.

My Grandfather

My grandfather was another pivotal figure in my early IT journey. Unlike my father, he used his PC primarily for a flight simulator. I was captivated by the idea of flying a plane from the comfort of our home. He taught me how to use MS-DOS to load and run the flight simulator, and soon, I was navigating the digital skies with ease.

At the age of ten, I remember using MS-DOS to play games on my grandfather’s computer. It was a different kind of thrill compared to my father’s configurations, but it fueled my passion for understanding computers. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. It wasn’t just about playing the games; it was about understanding the commands and the system behind them.

My Mum’s Colleagues

The environment outside our home also contributed significantly to my IT education. Whenever we visited my mother’s colleagues, I found myself drawn to their PCs. These visits often turned into gaming sessions where I played classics like “Prince of Persia” and “Lemmings”. These games were more than just entertainment; they were challenges that honed my problem-solving skills and my ability to think logically under pressure.

One particular incident stands out in my memory. I was ten years old and visiting my doctor when his Windows system crashed and booted into MS-DOS. While the adults were at a loss, I stepped in, changed the boot sequence in the BIOS, and typed “win32.exe” to restart Windows. It was a small victory, but it cemented my reputation as the kid who could fix computers.

My Own PC

As I grew older, my passion for IT only intensified. I got my own PC and spent countless hours playing games. My parents had a unique approach to regulating my gaming habits. They allowed me to play games that were meant for slightly older children, but not excessively violent ones. When I was ten, I played games suitable for twelve-year-olds. At fourteen, I played games suitable for sixteen-year-olds. This rule was meant to shield me from overly brutal content, but it also presented a new set of challenges.

Many of these games required a good grasp of English and quick reflexes. They often demanded that I remember complex key combinations and navigate intricate puzzles. To overcome these challenges, I maintained a book full of cheats. Some cheats were straightforward, like typing “IAMGOD” to become invincible. However, others required a deeper understanding of computer systems.

Discovering Programming and Hacking

This is where my journey into programming began. Some games, like “Gangsters,” required me to manipulate the Windows registry to alter game values, such as my account balance. This was a simple hack compared to others, but it sparked my interest in the inner workings of software. I learned to edit game files using text editors and, sometimes, HEX editors. Each cheat and hack was a puzzle, and solving them gave me a sense of accomplishment.

The ultimate challenge was accessing the RAM directly to gain an advantage in games. It was complex and required a deep understanding of how the computer managed memory. Although I couldn’t play multiplayer games due to slow and expensive internet, these experiences taught me invaluable skills. They laid the groundwork for my programming knowledge and my ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

Conclusion

Looking back, my early experiences with computers were more than just a hobby; they were the stepping stones to my IT career. My father’s enthusiasm for configuring PCs, my grandfather’s love for flight simulators, and the countless hours spent playing and hacking games all contributed to my passion for technology. Each experience taught me something new and pushed me to explore further.

Today, as I continue to grow in my IT career, I am grateful for those early influences. They not only introduced me to the world of computers but also instilled in me a love for problem-solving and a curiosity to understand how things work. My journey is a testament to the power of early exposure and the importance of nurturing curiosity and passion in young minds.