The Computer Programme
Encyclopedia
The Computer Programme was a TV series, produced by Paul Kriwaczek, originally broadcast by the BBC
(on BBC2
) in 1982. The idea behind the series was to introduce people to computers and show them what they were capable of. The BBC wanted to use their own computer, so the BBC Micro
was developed as part of the BBC Computer Literacy Project, and was featured in this series. The series was successful enough for two series to follow it, namely Making the Most of the Micro
in 1983 and Micro Live
from 1984 until 1987.
(known as 'Mac') and Chris Serle
, the former showing the latter some of the rudimentary basics of computer operation and BASIC
programming. The 'on location' reporter was Gill Nevill.
. This would form the theme which would underpin the demonstrations shown on the programme.
's Computer World, taken from their 1981 album of the same name
. The opening titles was an animation of an owl
- the mascot (and logo
) of the BBC Microcomputer system - flying into a domestic living room. The "owl" theme would be used on the two successor shows. The ending was Computer World 2, taken from the same album.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
(on BBC2
BBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
) in 1982. The idea behind the series was to introduce people to computers and show them what they were capable of. The BBC wanted to use their own computer, so the BBC Micro
BBC Micro
The BBC Microcomputer System, or BBC Micro, was a series of microcomputers and associated peripherals designed and built by Acorn Computers for the BBC Computer Literacy Project, operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation...
was developed as part of the BBC Computer Literacy Project, and was featured in this series. The series was successful enough for two series to follow it, namely Making the Most of the Micro
Making the Most of the Micro
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...
in 1983 and Micro Live
Micro Live
Micro Live was a BBC2 TV series that was produced by David Allen as part of the BBC's Computer Literacy Project, and followed on from earlier series such as The Computer Programme, Computers In Control, and Making the Most of the Micro...
from 1984 until 1987.
Presenters
The two studio presenters were Ian McNaught-DavisIan McNaught-Davis
Ian McNaught-Davis is most recognised nowadays for presenting the BBC TV series The Computer Programme, Making the Most of the Micro and Micro Live in the 1980s. However, he is also a well-known mountaineer and alpinist...
(known as 'Mac') and Chris Serle
Chris Serle
Christopher "Chris" Richard Serle is a former BBC TV presenter, reporter and actor. Serle was educated at Clifton College and Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied modern languages...
, the former showing the latter some of the rudimentary basics of computer operation and BASIC
BASIC
BASIC is a family of general-purpose, high-level programming languages whose design philosophy emphasizes ease of use - the name is an acronym from Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code....
programming. The 'on location' reporter was Gill Nevill.
Format
Each programme would normally start with either Serle or McNaught-Davis introducing a real life situation where computers are being (or could be) applied - examples included the office, a car factory and the British LibraryBritish Library
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom, and is the world's largest library in terms of total number of items. The library is a major research library, holding over 150 million items from every country in the world, in virtually all known languages and in many formats,...
. This would form the theme which would underpin the demonstrations shown on the programme.
Programmes
The series was split into 10 programmes, each about 25 minutes long and dealing with a particular subject area. They were as follows (original airdates in brackets):- It's Happening Now - (11 January 1982)
- Just One Thing After Another - (18 January 1982)
- Talking to a Machine - (25 January 1982)
- It's On the Computer - (1 February 1982)
- The New Media - (8 February 1982)
- Moving Pictures - (15 February 1982)
- Let's Pretend - (22 February 1982)
- The Thinking Machine - (1 March 1982)
- In Control - (8 March 1982)
- Things to Come - (15 March 1982)
Theme Music & Opening Titles
The theme music to the programme was KraftwerkKraftwerk
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...
's Computer World, taken from their 1981 album of the same name
Computer World
Computer World is the eighth studio album by the German electronic music band Kraftwerk, released in May 1981. The album deals with the themes of the rise of computers within society. Critics see this album as a peak in the career of Kraftwerk, along with Autobahn and Trans-Europe Express...
. The opening titles was an animation of an owl
Owl
Owls are a group of birds that belong to the order Strigiformes, constituting 200 bird of prey species. Most are solitary and nocturnal, with some exceptions . Owls hunt mostly small mammals, insects, and other birds, although a few species specialize in hunting fish...
- the mascot (and logo
Logo
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition...
) of the BBC Microcomputer system - flying into a domestic living room. The "owl" theme would be used on the two successor shows. The ending was Computer World 2, taken from the same album.