I have been with computers all my life, I could say since I was about six years. My dad got me and my brother our first computer system which run a win98 OS and was a compaq. ever since and even before that, my brother and I have really been into computers. Being able to use any type of technology has been one of our greatest aims and show offs lol.
growing up, I have come to the realization that computers have become a wide part of us in the world with almost everything running through computers and networks. My realization of computers in Ghana is that at least 90% of the population know what a computer is or can at least tell you a few wonderful things some of which microsoft and linux/UNIX companies including our dear apple is still thinking of how to come up with. but that is just by it. the real deal is they have an idea of it but out of the 90% who can define a computer system don't really know its real purposes. Just becuase you can clieck or press a button on a computer system does not make u a professional user. if that was the case we would have all been expects including the mad person carrying a spoilt keyboard walking around thinking he is the secretary general of the UN.
I was quite suprised when I met a lady at the recent google conference held in Accra AITI who said she programmed in C/C++ but was still in console. that was quite suprising for me cos most ladies would just stay in the class get a certification and end up the assistant to a manager who probably don't have a clue what a mouse is he just uses it "escuse me where is your mouse?", "I don't use one" thats like Oh My God. I hadn't seen her do anything but her being in the conference and having a notebook to follow the lectures gave me the hope of having at least a lady or two join our computing world.
Most guys would show off that they are computer programers, but don't have an idea how to compile hello world in C. the main cause of this all being that, people don't still know the value of custom applications and yes the whole computer system. I once a few times have heard people say computers are in their offices to prove they are a well established company or just to facebook.
my discoveries in this nation keeps getting excited every now and then. just recently I have discovered a new group, GTUGS; a computer related software development community right here in Ghana and its amazing the projects they are on. though they use a lot of Open Source I still think its cool cos they are able to at least understand and use them well