The History of the Patient Professor
Allen Lockshin has been working with computers for over 45 years (since 1962). Back then computers were known as “business machines”. Around 1981, the smaller versions of these machines came to be called “personal computers” (PC's). It was then that Allen, the “professor” took interest and began learning about these new “PC's”. Brand names such as Apple, Osborne, Commodore, Radio Shack, and Texas Instruments filled a gap that was beginning to emerge.
These systems were revolutionary in their design, function and capacity compared to the products offered by the then industrial giants such as IBM, Sperry Rand, Honeywell and Burroughs. Control was about to change. In a few months, the new “home computers" were appearing in homes and small offices everywhere. They were relatively affordable at about $3,500 each, compared to the machines built and sold by the large main frame manufacturers.
Another revolution began in 1984 when IBM's first home computers became available through retail outlets. Within a few months, Compaq, AT&T and others followed suit...and the race was on!
In 1994, the internet created a whole new market for computers, destined to make the PC a necessity for every home. Instant communication with other computers over telephone lines was now possible world-wide.
In May of 1982, Allen founded Houston’s first used computer store, Consumers Computer Exchange (CCX), in a spare room at his real estate office. Eventually, the computer business required increasingly more space and effort. So real estate was put on the back burner and Allen went full time in the sales and service of these new PC's.
Ironically, the first customer that CCX had was a high school junior, Michael Dell. Michael, a curious teenager, was constantly in the store buying, selling and trading various pieces of computer equipment. He was not only CCX's first customer but also its BEST as well. Michael began honing his skill as a “wheeler-dealer” even at that early age.
Michael’s younger brother Adam began working at CCX after school and kept us informed of Michael’s activities at college. Over the years, CCX became a training ground for several of the area’s brightest teenagers, but none as famous as its first customer!
Allen, now age 74, is semi-retired and still enjoys working with computers. He likes training people, especially seniors, in the use of computers. His youngest client to date was age 10 and the oldest was 93! You are never too old to learn.
In addition to computer training, the "professor" also performs on-site service at homes and offices. He will handle both your software and hardware problems and issues quickly, and at reasonable rates.
If you have a broken computer, want to network your system, have virus problems, or would like to learn computer basics, feel free to contact Allen for an appointment.
The Patient Professor is also the inventor of EZ Glyder walker glides. They are easy to install and glide over surfaces with ease. They are so durable that they can even be used outdoors! Visit the EZ Glyder website to learn more about this amazing product!