About this season
The Computer Chronicles was an American television series, broadcast during 1981-2002 on Public Broadcasting Service public television, which documented the rise of the personal computer from its infancy to the immense market at the turn of the 21st century. The series was created in the Fall of 1981, by Stewart Cheifet, then the station manager of the College of San Mateo's KCSM-TV, initially broadcast as a local weekly series. Jim Warren was its founding host for its 1981-1982 season. It aired continuously from 1981 to 2002 with Cheifet co-hosting most of its later seasons. Gary Kildall served as co-host for six years providing insights and commentary on products as well as discussions on the future of the ever-expanding personal computer sphere.
Episodes (24)
1. Computer Games
Aired 12 October 1999
Computer games are not only fun but they, perhaps more than any other application, push the edge of computing power. We take a look at the latest in computer games and dedicated game consoles.
2. DVDs
Aired 19 October 1999
Focus on DVD technology. Topics include the Sony Vaio PC with DVD ROM drive, Sony DVD ROM drive kit, Panasonic external DVD RAM drive, HP Pavillion PC with a Panasonic DVD RAM drive and a Sigma Designs card.
3. TV Meets PC
Aired 26 October 1999
4. Computer Crime
Aired 2 November 1999
Is your PC safe from crime? Whether it's a computer virus via email, hackers breaking into your web site, or you using your credit card to buy something online, you are not safe from crime just because you're at home.
5. Digital Home Movies
Aired 9 November 1999
Can you produce the next generation of The Blair Witch Project at home on your computer? We'll show you some of the tricks of personal computers these days that you can use to turn your ideas into real movies.
6. Robots
Aired 16 November 1999
Robots are used to deactivate bombs, to do work in outer space, to work on assembly lines, and just for fun. We'll learn how to build a robot at home and discuss the future of robotics.
7. Consumer's Buying Guide
Aired 23 November 1999
Our annual round-up of the latest and greatest software, hardware, websites, and gadgets, reviewed by a panel of journalists and analysts. Just in time for holiday buying ideas for your favorite techie - or yourself.
8. ETRE Conference Monaco: Part 1
Aired 30 November 1999
The 1999 European Technology Roundtable Exposition, (ETRE), a gathering of the most prominent computer CEO's and analysts, was hosted by Dasar and held recently in Monaco.
9. ETRE Conference Monaco: Part 2
Aired 7 December 1999
This week, Computer Chronicles concludes its coverage of the 1999 European Technology Roundtable Exhibition, (ETRE), from Monte Carlo with an in-depth interview of Bill Gates of Microsoft.
10. Comdex Special 1999
Aired 14 December 1999
We have scouted the floor of the world's biggest computer trade show, COMDEX, in Las Vegas. We've invited the best of the best to come into our studio to give you an in-depth demonstration of the latest innovations in personal computing.
11. Copyright Issues Online
Aired 4 January 2000
The Internet has created a place where it is easy to find information and art to share. But what about copyright issues? Is everything free for the asking online?
12. Home Networks
Aired 11 January 2000
A look at home network options including devices that let you share your peripherals just by using your existing electrical outlets.
13. ETRE Conference Monaco: Part 3
Aired 18 January 2000
This week, on the Computer Chronicles, we take you to Monte Carlo for the conclusion of a special three-part series on the 10th anniversary of the ETRE conference, the European Technology Roundtable and Exhibition.
14. Faster Net Access
Aired 25 January 2000
Most home PC users use their telephone line to connect to the Internet. But there are other options like cable, DSL, and satellite connections as well as the latest high-speed telephone modems.
15. Music on the PC
Aired 1 February 2000
Whether you wish to learn to play an instrument, compose a song, download MP3 files, or just find out fun facts about your favorite musician, there's software, hardware, and many Internet sites for you.
16. Computers without Keyboards
Aired 8 February 2000
The keyboard is a rather primitive way to communicate with a computer. This program looks at several alternatives.
17. Internet Showcase Special: Part 1
Aired 15 February 2000
Highlights from Upside's Internet Showcase conference, from Palm Springs, California. A review of new web sites and internet related products.
18. Internet Showcase Special: Part 2
Aired 22 February 2000
Highlights of the 2000 Internet Showcase conference produced by Upside magazine. Shot on location in Palm Springs, California.
19. Cooking with Your PC
Aired 29 February 2000
There are software programs and online resources to allow you to cook like an expert chef, learn about food, and show you how to have a more nutritious meal.
20. Online Investing
Aired 21 March 2000
Everybody seems to be trading stocks and bonds online these days. We'll show you how you make a trade, how to integrate your investments into your personal finance software and some websites that can help you make wise investment choices.
21. Computers and Politics
Aired 28 March 2000
A review of the use of PCs and the Internet in political campaigns, including a comparison of candidate sites, a look inside a Senatorial campaign, and the prospects of on-line voting. Produced during the 2000 elections campaign season.
22. User Group Dayton Special
Aired 4 April 2000
23. Digital Living Room: Part 1
Aired 25 July 2000
What will day-to-day life be like when our homes are wired, when we all have broadband pipes, and when everything that surrounds us has been transformed from the world of atoms to the world of bits?
24. Digital Living Room: Part 2
Aired 1 August 2000