Bits and Bytes
Encyclopedia
Bits and Bytes was the name for two Canadian television series, starring Billy Van
, who teaches people the basics of how to use a computer
. The first series debuted in 1983 and the second series, called Bits and Bytes 2, in 1991. The first series also included popular comedian
Luba Goy
as the instructor to Van. The intro sequence featured a montage of common computer terms such as "ERROR", "LOGO" and "ROM", as well as various snippets of simple computer graphics and video effects, accompanied by a theme song that very heavily borrows from the 1978 song Neon Lights by Kraftwerk
. The series were produced by TVOntario
.
The original series featured an unusual presentation format whereby Luba Goy as the instructor would address Billy Van through a remote video link. The video link would appear to Luba who was seated in an office on a projection screen in front of her. She was then able to direct Billy who appeared on a soundstage with various desktop computer setups of the era. Popular systems emphasized included the Atari 800, Commodore PET
, Tandy TRS-80
, and Apple II
. Each episode also included short animated vignettes to explain key concepts, as well as videotaped segments on various developments in computing. In the new 1991 series, Billy Van assumed the role of instructor (Luba Goy did not return) and taught a new female student. As a decade had passed, the new series focused primarily on IBM PC compatibles (i.e. Intel-based 286 or 386 computers) running DOS and earlier versions of Windows, as well as the newer and updated technologies of that era.
Billy Van
William Allan Van Evera, , known by the stage name Billy Van, was a Canadian comedian, actor and singer.-Biography:...
, who teaches people the basics of how to use a computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
. The first series debuted in 1983 and the second series, called Bits and Bytes 2, in 1991. The first series also included popular comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
Luba Goy
Luba Goy
-Life and career:Goy was born in Haltern, Germany to Ukrainian parents and raised in Ottawa. They emigrated to Canada in 1951. She is a graduate of the Glebe Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, Ontario, and later graduated from Canada's National Theatre School, before acting in theatre productions in...
as the instructor to Van. The intro sequence featured a montage of common computer terms such as "ERROR", "LOGO" and "ROM", as well as various snippets of simple computer graphics and video effects, accompanied by a theme song that very heavily borrows from the 1978 song Neon Lights by Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk is an influential electronic music band from Düsseldorf, Germany. The group was formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970, and was fronted by them until Schneider's departure in 2008...
. The series were produced by TVOntario
TVOntario
TVOntario, often referred to only as TVO , is a publicly funded, educational English-language television station and media organization in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is operated by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority, a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Ontario...
.
The original series featured an unusual presentation format whereby Luba Goy as the instructor would address Billy Van through a remote video link. The video link would appear to Luba who was seated in an office on a projection screen in front of her. She was then able to direct Billy who appeared on a soundstage with various desktop computer setups of the era. Popular systems emphasized included the Atari 800, Commodore PET
Commodore PET
The Commodore PET was a home/personal computer produced from 1977 by Commodore International...
, Tandy TRS-80
TRS-80
TRS-80 was Tandy Corporation's desktop microcomputer model line, sold through Tandy's Radio Shack stores in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The first units, ordered unseen, were delivered in November 1977, and rolled out to the stores the third week of December. The line won popularity with...
, and Apple II
Apple II
The Apple II is an 8-bit home computer, one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products, designed primarily by Steve Wozniak, manufactured by Apple Computer and introduced in 1977...
. Each episode also included short animated vignettes to explain key concepts, as well as videotaped segments on various developments in computing. In the new 1991 series, Billy Van assumed the role of instructor (Luba Goy did not return) and taught a new female student. As a decade had passed, the new series focused primarily on IBM PC compatibles (i.e. Intel-based 286 or 386 computers) running DOS and earlier versions of Windows, as well as the newer and updated technologies of that era.
Episodes (1983-84)
- Program 1: Getting Started
- Program 2: Ready-Made Programs
- Program 3: How Programs Work?
- Program 4: File & Data Management
- Program 5: Communication Between Computers
- Program 6: Computer Languages
- Program 7: Computer-Assisted Instruction
- Program 8: Games & Simulations
- Program 9: Computer Graphics
- Program 10: Computer Music
- Program 11: Computers at Work
- Program 12: What Next?
Crew
- Original Music - Harry Forbes, George Axon
- Animation Voice - Fred Napoli
- Animation - Grafilm Productions Inc.
- Consultants - Jim ButterfieldJim Butterfield-External links:* * featuring Brad Templeton, Jim Butterfield, and Steve Punter** * * , previous unpublished, presented by the Personal Computer Museum, Brantford, Ontario...
, David Humphreys, Mike H. Stein, Jo Ann Wilton - Unit Manager - Rodger Lawson
- Production Editor - Michael Kushner
- Production Assistant - George Pyron
- Executive Producer - Mike McManus
- Director - Stu Beecroft
- Written & Produced by - Denise Boiteau and David Stansfield