Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 644 One-Finger Zen
I skillfully assembled the computer, plugged in the power, and turned it on.

Chen Fan didn't wait idly. He took out a stack of manuscript paper from his backpack and solemnly placed it beside him.

Professor Xu stood up and walked behind him. Since the computer wasn't turned on yet, he bent down to look at the manuscript. "What's this?"

Chen Fan: "Oh, this is a novel I'm currently writing. I've only written a few tens of thousands of words so far, so it's just the beginning."

Professor Xu immediately took the manuscript into his hand and asked, "What type is it?"

Chen Fan: "A work of realist literature. It begins with an important production task at a machine factory in a small town, introducing the important characters in the story, and then, through the family descriptions of these important characters, it reveals the social landscape and production conditions of a certain period..."

I briefly outlined the story, and the computer was almost up.

Professor Xu listened to his explanation, flipped through a few pages, put the manuscript back in its original place, looked at him and smiled, "Not bad."

Chen Fan's eyes lit up, and he looked up at him. "Then, teacher, can we skip the monthly assessment?"

Professor Xu hummed twice, looked at him and smiled, "One thing at a time, the monthly assessment will continue as normal."

Seeing the disappointment on Chen Fan's face, Professor Xu added, "However, if this book is completed well, it can be used as your graduation project."

Chen Fan looked at him with suspicion, "You mean my graduation thesis?"

Professor Xu gently shook his head. "You still need to write your graduation thesis. But as a professional writer, you can't be treated like an ordinary student. A professional full-length novel is definitely essential."

He pointed to the manuscript as he spoke, "If your novel is well-written, I can consider it your graduation project, and you won't need to write anything else."

Chen Fan's face fell. "Oh."

Are professional writers required to have extra assignments? Who made that rule?

However, he dared not say these words aloud. He could only sigh inwardly and type away at the computer, opening up a Chinese document software.

As he looked at the manuscript beside him, his fingers tapping lightly on the keyboard, he said, "Teacher, you see, I'm using the Pinyin input method now. It uses the unique Pinyin system of our country as the search basis, which can accurately find the Chinese characters I need."

This input method software is currently in a relatively basic stage. Further development will be undertaken to provide more convenient search methods, such as the ability to type words, idioms, or even common short phrases, which would be much more convenient.

Professor Xu didn't speak, but just stared at the computer screen, watching Chinese characters appear in the document at a very fast speed.

After a long while, he asked, "Can anyone type like you as long as they know pinyin?"

Chen Fan: "Yes, as long as you know pinyin, it's fine. It's just that sometimes there's a difference between flat and retroflex consonants. If you can't recognize them accurately, the speed will be slower."

Typing speed also depends on hand speed. I'm quite familiar with the keyboard and my fingers react very quickly, which allows me to type over 200 words per minute. For the average person, it's about 60 to 80 words per minute, which is considered good.

This version of the input method still uses full pinyin, so it's definitely slower. But as the technology upgrades, it will become much faster.

Even if it's slow, it's still better than current Chinese mechanical typewriters.

Most importantly, most people don't need any additional learning and can get started right away, which is far superior to mechanical typewriters.

Professor Xu nodded slowly, looked at it for a while, and said, "Let me give it a try."

Chen Fan turned around and looked at him in surprise, "You know pinyin?"

The Pinyin system was developed between 55 and 57, and then began to be widely used starting in 58.

Before this, China used the Zhuyin alphabet, which was similar to the Japanese alphabet. This was the main reason why it was so easy for Chinese people to learn Japanese back then, because Japanese could be almost entirely pronounced using the Zhuyin alphabet.

(The phonetic alphabet was taught in literacy classes in the 50s, and Taiwan still uses it today.)

Therefore, given Professor Xu's age, he should be learning the phonetic alphabet.

It could even be an earlier direct tone method or a tone-cutting method.

How could he possibly know pinyin? Did he learn it later?

Then Professor Xu calmly said, "Back then, I was also a member of the Language Reform Committee, so of course I am very familiar with Pinyin."

Upon hearing this, Chen Fan was speechless.

The next second, he obediently stood up and gave up his seat.

Professor Xu slowly sat down, holding onto the back of the chair. He looked at the manuscript, then at the keyboard, and, imitating Chen Fan, placed his hands on the keyboard.

Chen Fan quickly said, "Teacher, please put your left hand on the FDSA keys and your right hand on the JKL keys, then..."

Before he could finish speaking, Professor Xu waved his hand, "Too much trouble, I'll just try it out."

As he spoke, under Chen Fan's gaze, he calmly used the One-Finger Zen Divine Skill.

Chen Fan seemed to see his classmates who hadn't formally studied computers back then, all using various finger techniques, but avoiding the scene of having all ten fingers.

However, after the initial adjustment period, Professor Xu was able to write lines of text in the document at a speed of about 30 words per minute.

After typing several dozen lines, Professor Xu seemed very happy, a smile spreading across his face. He looked up at Chen Fan and said, "This typewriter is very good and convenient. It doesn't require any special training; you can use it directly."

Moreover, it's very efficient, much faster than writing, and you can make direct corrections without getting the paper dirty..."

He paused for a moment, then asked, "How can we transfer the text inside onto paper?"

He knew the principle of a mechanical typewriter. It was the same as movable type printing, consisting of small blocks of lead type. By selecting the corresponding block using an input method and then applying a layer of ink, it could be printed onto paper.

How do I print from this computer?

Chen Fan quickly replied, "Oh, there are printers overseas that are specifically designed for computers. Once connected to a computer, they can print any pattern or text. But I didn't bring mine with me today; the printer is still in Shanghai. I'll have my cousin send another one over so I can demonstrate it for you."

Professor Xu nodded slowly, then stood up, supporting himself on the table. "Yes, very good, very good."

Seeing that he didn't seem to know much about computers, Chen Fan introduced some commonly used functions.

For example, you can use floppy disks to copy files, and overseas printing plants also have printing presses that can be directly connected to computers; you can produce books simply by inserting a floppy disk…

Professor Xu listened quietly throughout the long and rambling speech.

After the introduction, Chen Fan took a sip of water from his teacup and was about to speak when Professor Xu suddenly asked, "Is your Chinese typing software only compatible with this computer?"

He seemed to feel that he hadn't expressed himself fully, so he added, "I mean, do I need to buy a computer like yours to type in Chinese?" Chen Fan smiled and said, "No, you don't need to."

He turned around, picked up his backpack, took out an expansion card, placed it in front of Professor Xu, and smiled, "This is an expansion card with a Chinese input method and corresponding Chinese word processing software pre-installed. You just need to insert this card into any computer that supports expansion cards to use the Chinese input method."

Upon hearing this, Professor Xu's eyes lit up. He picked up the expansion card, examined it closely, and then asked, "How much does this cost?"

Chen Fan laughed and said, "This is still an experimental product, and there is no price yet."

He then pointed to the computer and said, "I'll leave this computer to you; you can use it directly."

The teacher taught him everything he knew, and even wanted to recommend him to study abroad last time, which shows that he really regarded him as his personal disciple. Chen Fan naturally didn't mind giving him a good one.

Anyway, teachers usually have a habit of writing every day, so having a computer will definitely make things easier. If we get a printer later, it will be even more convenient.

Professor Xu smiled and waved his hand, saying, "I appreciate your kind offer, but I don't need it. I've used pens my whole life and I'm already used to it."

As he spoke, he picked up the expansion card and said, "If you're really so kind, why don't you give this to me?"

Chen Fan seemed thoughtful. "You want to give this to the Computer Science department?"

Professor Xu nodded. "They also managed to get one of the computers you brought back last time. After two months of research, they have a preliminary understanding of the internal structure and the purpose of personal computers. Not long ago, they submitted a report to higher authorities, hoping to establish a micro personal computer research institute."

However, since the report was submitted, there has been no response.

At this point, he held up the expansion card in his hand, "If we had this, it might be able to push things forward and get the higher-ups to make a decision."

He had only used the word processing software briefly and found it to be much better than handwriting. Most importantly, it eliminated the tedious learning period required before using a Chinese typewriter.

In fact, there has always been a great demand for Chinese language processing, otherwise there would be individuals and companies both domestically and internationally researching this area.

Now that we have this expansion card, all we need is a compatible computer and printer to do better than traditional Chinese mechanical printers, so why not continue our research?
In addition to word processing software, it also includes spreadsheet software, making it much more practical than a simple typewriter.

Not to mention the computing functions that are already built into computers.

In this way, Professor Xu also hopes to see the Computer Science Department develop a computer that can be used by individuals, which will definitely benefit the country and society.

Upon hearing his teacher's response, Chen Fan replied without hesitation, "You decide."

Professor Xu smiled with satisfaction, then put down the expansion card, picked up the phone and dialed, "Connect me to Professor Huang from the Computer Science Department."

After a few seconds, once the call was connected, he briefly explained the situation.

The next second, even Chen Fan could hear the sound of the phone being hung up with a "click" from the receiver.

Professor Xu calmly put the microphone back and smiled, "These researchers are all like this. When they hear about new technologies or new things, they can't even speak. They have to verify them immediately."

He raised his wrist and looked at his watch. "You just wait and see. He'll be here in less than ten minutes."

Chen Fan smacked his lips, saved the document he had just written, cut and pasted it onto a floppy disk, then ejected the floppy disk and put it in his backpack along with the manuscript paper.

Then he slowly and deliberately said, "Yes, I believe you!"

He had witnessed the craziness of Professor Huang and his group at the Cultural Palace Guesthouse last time, and now that they have the Chinese character card, they're definitely going to go crazy.

Less than five minutes later, Professor Huang appeared at the office door, panting heavily, asking, "Where is the Chinese language?"

Chen Fan quickly stood up to give him his seat. "It's a Chinese input method and Chinese word processing software. Shouldn't you catch your breath first?"

Professor Huang didn't bother with pleasantries; he simply waved and smiled at him before plopping down in his chair. Once he saw the word processing software already open and the Chinese characters on it, he couldn't bear to look away.

After a long while, he turned to look at Chen Fan and asked, "How do I use it?"

Chen Fan pointed to the screen, "Do you know Pinyin? If you do, just type in Pinyin."

Without saying a word, Professor Huang placed his hands on the keyboard, his fingers trembling slightly, but he still typed out a set of pinyin.

When he saw the set of homophones displayed, his eyes reddened, and he murmured, "How come I didn't think of inputting the Chinese characters into the memory chip, then writing a program to use pinyin as the search method?"

Chen Fan stood to the side and chuckled dryly. "By the time you figure it out, how am I supposed to make money?!"
Professor Huang was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly started typing on the keyboard again.

It must be said that, being a professional computer researcher, he figured out the basic functions of the Chinese character card without Chen Fan needing to explain it to him.

Only then did he exhale a long breath and slowly stand up.

He had just straightened up when he suddenly swayed and almost fell.

Chen Fan quickly helped him up, pressed his pulse point, and said, "It's alright. You were too excited just now, and your brain is a little oxygen-deprived. Taking a few deep breaths will help."

Professor Huang smiled at him and said, "Thank you, I'm fine."

He then took two deep breaths, his face suddenly flushed, and said to Professor Xu, "Professor Xu, are you really going to give me this expansion card?"

Professor Xu chuckled twice and pointed at Chen Fan, "It wasn't me who gave it to you, it was Xiao Chen who gave it to you."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Xiao Chen gave this to me only so that I could hand it over to the school. Otherwise, what use would an old man like me, a liberal arts student, have with a plastic sheet?"

Professor Huang held the expansion card as if it were a rare treasure, saying, "This isn't just a plastic sheet; it represents a direction in computer development and the beginning of personalized computers."

Chen Fan chuckled from the side, "It's too early to talk about that now. Also, I can give you this equipment, but my uncle has patented it in many countries around the world."

Although my country does not yet have a patent law, if you want to align with international standards, you need to carefully consider how to handle this issue.

Professor Huang paused for a moment, then nodded slowly as if deep in thought. "This is indeed a big problem. I will consider it carefully and report it to my superiors."

Chen Fan didn't say much, picked up his backpack, waved, and said, "Teacher, I'm leaving."

After saying that, he ran out.

Professor Xu was about to say something when he saw that he had already slipped out, and couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.

The next second, he suddenly realized that the monthly assessment hadn't been conducted yet.
Well, this kid got away this time.

(End of this chapter)