Post #476822

2026-02-24 10:13 UTC

So in October this year it will have been 30 years since I started my undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Lancaster University. It got me to thinking that I&#39;ve been using vim and it&#39;s ancestors since around that time and it&#39;s something I still reach for every single work day even now in 2026. Some 30 years on, I can probably count on one hand the technology things I still use every day, Linux, Vim, assorted GNU tools. For an industry that moves at break neck speed to jump at the next thing, that there&#39;s anything I&#39;m still using is a mild surprise! Do you have tools from your undergrad days you&#39;re still using now? Top five? #ComputerScience #OldTimer #UndergradTools #Linux #Vim #GNU

Replies (5)

@nmeth@mastodonapp.uk 2026-02-24 17:57

@idnorton@tech.lgbt I started most of 15 years before you and graduated in Electronics although with a substantial for the time computing component. However I don't think there is any tool or language from undergrad times I still use (very light exposure to Unix Bourne shell). Lots of different editors none of which I have seen in 35 years. Main os was Tops-10 (although used VAX/VMS on a summer job)

Open ##391642
@pdcawley@mendeddrum.org 2026-02-24 11:51

@idnorton Emacs, Linux, Apache httpd.

Open ##2046674
@morix@loci.onl 2026-02-24 15:48

@idnorton top 5 frequently used tools? Probably: bash, Vim (although for anything longer than 2 lines I use Emacs in Evil mode LARPing as a nicer Vim), Apache, Mutt, Firefox Honourable mentions still in use: gnu tools, ssh, exim, wget, irssi, perl, tf

Open ##2046682
@IsItBroke@techhub.social 2026-02-24 19:40

@idnorton Fluke 27 DVM, Casio FX-115, and until last year a Tektronix 2230 oscilloscope. I have to say ‘scopes have moved on an awful lot and my current Reigol is a joy to use.

Open ##2046685
@castaway@fosstodon.org 2026-02-24 22:48

@idnorton emacs, (al)pine, perl, bash ..

Open ##2046688