The 1980s were a weird time. Say, for example, you wanted to talk to a friend across the country, but didn’t feel like speaking to them on the telephone. The above clip shows you how you could send an “E mail” instantaneously, without having to telephone your friend at all!

The video also shows you how to connect your telephone to your computer, by using a box called a modem. It’s as simple as using your dial telephone to phone up the computer. “I am now waiting for the computer to answer me,” says the instructor. 

“Why did you buy a computer?” asks the host. Why, indeed.

Every day we track down a Video Wonder: an audiovisual offering that delights, inspires, and entertains. Have you encountered a video we should feature? Email [email protected].