When I sit in front of a computer, I always question myself: “What can I do to make the most out of this machine?” I then proceed to customize and modify my rig one by one. These start from simple tasks such as organizing my files to more complex procedures such as undervolting/overclocking the processor. There are literally millions of ways to improve your computer and squeeze every last juice out of those tiny chips. But the story does not end here; dive in a little deeper, and you will be fascinated by a universe full of imagination. A world where literally anything you imagine can become a reality.
This endless rabbit hole of ingenuity is what lured me into the world of computers. For creators, the computer allows them to produce music, pictures, paintings, and live videos with effects that are impossible in the real world. For gamers, the computer invites them to engage in an interactive story or play in real-time with other people around the world. For developers, the computer grants them godlike power to create anything they please. As computers (including smart devices) become more and more integrated into our lives, it is undeniable that we cannot live without the help of these machines.
Ironically, my first interest in computers arose from a lack of computers. While most of my friends had smartphones, I was not allowed to own one. Instead, I was given a “feature phone.” To lessen my sorrows, I searched for ways to add features to or improve my phone. With my friends, we fantasized about what kind of smartphone I wanted. On paper, we drew the features we thought would be useful for a smartphone and designed various apps that would be installed in it. We designed various games and discussed the minimum spec the phone would need to have in order to run it.
Then came the moment where I finally got to own a laptop. At first, I just tried to follow tutorials and changed small details until I could get the hang of it. I went on online communities and met great people who were more than willing to help me. Eventually, I could finally create my own apps for mobile devices, and I began to create the very programs that I had imagined in my childhood days. I eventually opened a Google Play developers account and began uploading my apps to the app store. When I found out that more than 70,000 people downloaded my app and that it was being recommended by many bloggers, I was more motivated than ever to keep on living this dream.
Nowadays, I am trying to learn as much as I can. I am looking forward to the computer science major courses, club activities, and events. I believe that user interface and user experience are one of the most important aspects of a program, and I am constantly looking at other people’s designs to get inspiration. I also take good care of my hardware and try to keep it as up to date as possible. The digital world is never-ending and ever-changing; there is always something to be excited about when you wake up in the morning.
There is much more to computers than what is given. Even if you are not interested in coding, there are so many ways that you can use a computer to realize your dreams. It is exciting to see more and more people take an interest in computers, and it is more thrilling to imagine what they will make out of it. Please, I invite you a little closer to the world of computers. I promise, it will be a truly fascinating experience.