I started out in 1959 learning and working on Analog computers. In the early 60's I got into chasing 1's and 0's around IBM digital computers that were used to solve navigational problems, then on to the Intel 8008 in the 70's; the TRS 80 (Radio Shack); CP/M and ............

Following the evolution of the computer for all those years should give me some insight into what is coming down the road. All I can say is "Hold onto your hats!!" I hope I'm one of you that's still around in 20 years and able to look back and smile when I think of the "clunkers" we had to work with in 2003. And that includes operating systems and development software.

I chose the Fox, can't remember when (FoxBase), because I was able to produce good, fast applications for my clients. I've stayed with it, now VFP8, because it just keeps getting better and better. I'll continue using it as long as it does the job for me and my clients. But, I will still prepare for the future by tinkering a little here and there with .NET, Linex, PDA's, Smart Phones, etc.

>Right. And when I see groups of silent kids all clicking away on their phones having a live conversation via txt msg, I know that no matter how smart we may feel, the market is perverse and people respond to all sorts of cues that may be invisible to us. I am amazed how "certain" some people around here seem to be about the future, based only on propoganda, narrow experience and denial that bahaviours that seem "perverse" to us might ever have application.