BBC Four Back to BASIC Collection

A selection of programmes that helped people make the most of their computers.

Back to BASIC

Go back to the 1980s, when the BBC launched the BBC Micro with a selection of TV programmes to help people make the most of their computers.

About BBC Four Collection programmes:
Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current BBC editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.


6 programmes available

Available episodes:

    The Computer Programme
    1. It's Happening Now

    Who is using computers now, and where is this technology likely to lead? (1982)

    First shown: 11 Jan 1982
    Duration 25 mins
	

    Making The Most Of The Micro
    2. Getting Down To BASIC

    Writing a simple program which could help children practise their maths skills. (1983)

    First shown: 17 Jan 1983
    Duration 24 mins

	
    Micro Live
    Series 3: 28/03/1987

    In the last edition of the series, Micro Live sees a play about Alan Turing. (1987)

    First shown: 28 Mar 1987
    Duration 29 mins


    Micro Live
    Series 3: 17/10/1986

    Sir Clive Sinclair and Alan Sugar assess changes in the home computer industry. (1986)

    First shown: 17 Oct 1986
    Duration 30 mins

	
    Tomorrow's World: Computers in the 60s

    A compilation of Tomorrow's World features looking at how computers started to be used.

    First shown: 11 Sep 2015
    Duration 20 mins

	
    Horizon
    1977-1978: Now The Chips Are Down

    The rise of the microprocessor and its effect on industry. (1978)

    First shown: 31 Mar 1978
    Duration 80 mins