In my youth, that is, in 1983, literally four years before I was born, the BBC's Newsnight published a short report detailing the habits of a whole new type of person, those classified at the time as "computer addicts".

This was the beginning of home computing, when things like the Commodore were just beginning to become feasible as a home computing platform that ordinary people, in this case top-of-the-line geeks who were unnecessarily demonized, kept in their spare rooms.

And now, thanks to the BBC archives, you can bask in its glory (via Digital Trends). In this report, some of the visionary pioneers talk about their daily use of the enigmatic "computer."

But not to drink beer like any self-respecting British citizen of the day, nor to play video games, even during lunch breaks. I wouldn't be caught doing that. It's outrageous.

Chris Carter, then an operations manager in the computer department of a municipal office, is described as not only using computers on the job and doing something useful for society, but also enjoying them in his free time.

Nevertheless, his wife does not seem to like the stress and strain his hobby places on their marriage. Chris reportedly spends 20 to 40 hours a week at the keyboard, and as a result, his partner says she rarely sees him.

Those are rookie numbers, Chris. That's a rookie number.

Then comes businessman Graham Hawker. Instead of enjoying "a bright, sunny, nice day for a walk in the fresh air," according to the narration, he is at home, engrossed in the latest video game. Graham has to find a princess who has been kidnapped by a wizard, but his path is blocked by a giant, and as a result, he loses the pleasure of an English summer day.

No, I can't relate to this one either. Oh, I'm kidding. Let's hope Graham never discovered Civilization 6.

All kidding aside, this is a fascinating peek into the mindset of a generation trying to come to terms with the idea that computers are not just useful machines, but can also be life absorbing, helpful and rewarding.

Computer addiction itself may be a real thing, but the subjects here seem less addicted and more immensely passionate about their machines in a way that today's PC enthusiasts would immediately recognize. It's a lovely insight into the past, and I laughed like a drain more than once.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to move the giant. According to this piece, I can charm him with my harp, and this could be the first example of a Let's Play Guide. Rock on, Crazy Cats. Maybe this home computer will catch on eventually.