Bits and Bytes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bits and Bytes |
|
|---|---|
| Written by | Denise Boiteau David Stansfield |
| Directed by | Stuart Beecroft |
| Starring | Luba Goy Billy Van |
| Voices of | Fred Napoli |
| Theme music composer | Harry Forbes George Axon |
| Country of origin |  Canada |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 18 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Mike McManus |
| Producer(s) | Denise Boiteau David Stansfield |
| Editor(s) | Michael Kushner |
| Running time | 28 minutes (approx.) |
| Production company(s) | TVOntario |
| Release | |
| Original network | TVOntario |
| Picture format | NTSC (4:3) |
| Original release | October 15, 1983 – 1991 |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | The Computer Academy |
Bits and Bytes was a cool Canadian TV show. It was made by TVOntario. This show taught people the basics of how to use a personal computer.
There were actually two different Bits and Bytes series. The first one came out in 1983. It starred Luba Goy as the teacher and Billy Van as the student. The second series, called Bits and Bytes 2, was made in 1991. In this one, Billy Van became the teacher, and Victoria Stokle was the student. Denise Boiteau and David Stansfield wrote and produced both shows.
Contents
What Was Bits and Bytes?
Bits and Bytes was an educational television series. Its main goal was to help people understand computers. It showed how computers work and how to use them. This was very helpful when computers were new to many homes.
Learning About Computers
The show explained important computer ideas. It covered everything from starting a computer to using different programs. It made learning about technology fun and easy. The series helped many Canadians get comfortable with new computer skills.
The Show's Opening
The opening of Bits and Bytes was quite memorable. It showed a quick mix of computer words. Words like "ERROR", "LOGO", and "ROM" flashed on screen. You could also see simple computer graphics. There were cool video effects too. All of this played along with a catchy theme song. The music sounded a lot like the song "Neon Lights" by Kraftwerk.
How the First Series Worked
The first Bits and Bytes series had a unique setup. Luba Goy, the instructor, taught Billy Van, the student. But they weren't in the same room! Luba would talk to Billy through a video link.
Teaching Through a Screen
Luba sat in an office. Billy appeared on a big screen in front of her. She could give him directions this way. Billy was on a different set. He had many different desktop computers around him. These were popular computers from that time. Some examples were the Atari 800, Commodore PET, Tandy TRS-80, and Apple II.
Fun Ways to Learn
Each episode also had short animated parts. These animations helped explain tricky computer ideas. There were also video clips. These clips showed new things happening in the world of computers. TVOntario even offered a course with the show. You could learn more by mail.
The Computer Academy
After Bits and Bytes aired, there was another show. It was called The Academy. This show helped explain things even more. Jim Butterfield, a computer expert from Bits and Bytes, was a host. He helped viewers understand the concepts better.
Bits and Bytes 2: The Next Level
The second series, Bits and Bytes 2, came out almost ten years later. This time, Billy Van was the teacher. He taught a new female student. This series focused on newer computers. These were mostly IBM PC compatibles. They ran on DOS and early versions of Microsoft Windows.
New Tech and Old Favorites
The show covered updated technologies of the 1990s. Some of the old animated parts from the first series were shown again. They helped explain basic computer ideas. But there were also new animations. These new parts covered modern concepts. They talked about advances in computer graphics and managing data.
Why No Bits and Bytes 3?
At the end of Bits and Bytes 2, they hinted at a third series. However, Bits and Bytes 3 was never made. Instead, TVOntario decided to show another computer series. It was called Dotto's Data Cafe. This show was from Knowledge Network. It was a more affordable and bigger production on the same topic.
Episodes (1983-84)
- Program 1: Getting Started
- Program 2: Ready-Made Programs
- Program 3: How Programs Work?
- Program 4: File & Data Management
- Program 5: Communication Between Computers
- Program 6: Computer Languages
- Program 7: Computer-Assisted Instruction
- Program 8: Games & Simulations
- Program 9: Computer Graphics
- Program 10: Computer Music
- Program 11: Computers at Work
- Program 12: What Next?
Episodes (1991)
- Program 1: Basics
- Program 2: Words
- Program 3: Numbers
- Program 4: Files
- Program 5: Messages
- Program 6: Pictures
Who Made the Show?
Many talented people worked on Bits and Bytes.
- Original Music: Harry Forbes, George Axon
- Animation Voice: Fred Napoli
- Animation: Grafilm Productions Inc.
- Consultants: Jim Butterfield, David Humphreys, Mike H. Stein, Jo Ann Wilton
- Director: Stu Beecroft
- Written & Produced by: Denise Boiteau and David Stansfield
