Flight of the Commodore: How the iconic computer led to a golden age of geeks - Features - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent

Back in 1982, home computers didn't come with
soothing start-up chimes, welcoming splash screens and airbrushed icons.
Operating an 8-bit machine was a voyage of discovery, characterised by
repeated stabs in the dark and precious little hand-holding. The
Commodore 64, arguably the best-selling computer model of all time and
30 years old this month, presented you with a blue screen featuring the
message "38911 BASIC BYTES FREE. READY."