The Commodore VIC-20: My First Computer

The Commodore VIC-20 wasn’t just my first computer—it was the thing that sparked my interest in computing, programming, and building things.

Looking back, a huge amount of what I still enjoy today probably started with that machine.

In the early 1980s, home computers were just starting to become popular, and the Commodore VIC-20 was one of the first affordable options. When I received a VIC-20 as a Christmas present from my parents, little did I know that it would become a significant influence on my life. That VIC-20 became my gateway to the world of computing and programming, and it eventually led me to pursue a career in software engineering.

Discovering Computing

The VIC-20 was a small, boxy computer that came with a built-in keyboard and 5 KB of RAM. Although its specs were modest, it was a versatile machine that could run a variety of software, from simple games to complex applications. The computer could be connected to a TV set or a dedicated monitor and used a cassette tape drive for loading and saving programs.

Learning to Program

When I first got my VIC-20, I was fascinated by its capabilities. I spent hours tinkering with it, typing in programs from magazines and experimenting with different commands. I learned BASIC programming on that computer, and I was amazed at how much I could do with just a few lines of code. I wrote simple games and educational programs.

What fascinated me most was the idea that you could create something from almost nothing—just a few lines of code could completely change what the computer did.

The Social Side of Early Computing

One of the most memorable aspects of the VIC-20 was its cassette tape drive. I spent countless hours recording games onto cassette tapes, carefully labeling them with their titles and descriptions. I also received tapes from friends and classmates, and we would swap them back and forth, trying out new games and programs. It was a social activity as much as a technical one, and it brought me closer to my peers.

Early home computing felt much more hands-on and communal than modern technology often does. People shared tapes, copied programs from magazines, and helped each other figure things out.

As I got older, I continued to use the skills I learn on the VIC-20. I learned more advanced programming concepts, such as graphics and sound programming, and I created more ambitious projects.

What Stayed With Me

Looking back, the VIC-20 was much more than just a computer.

It introduced me to programming, problem solving, creativity, and the idea that technology was something you could build and shape yourself rather than simply consume.

A surprising amount of the way I still think about systems and technology probably started there.

And to top it all I still have my VIC-20 still in its box. Although it is missing its power supply, video cable and tape deck now.

This connects closely to my post about LEGO Technic and engineering mindset, where I first became fascinated by how systems fit together.

It also links naturally to my reflections on visual thinking and how I mentally model systems and processes.

I later even created my own text adventure game called Redcastle, inspired by the kind of exploration and imagination these early computers encouraged.

Understanding technology often starts with curiosity and experimentation.

I still enjoy breaking systems down, understanding how they work, and simplifying technology where possible.

You can take a look at my TechFix service if that sounds useful.