@spacemagick @The_Whore_of_Blahbylon Personal computing actually did start around that sort of timeframe with some of the earliest PCs beginning around 1972-ish. And people actually were excited to actually have programs to do those sorts of tasks.

However there's a distinction in regards to apps: computer programs up until enshittification took over computing too were about helping people. Apps now are about making profits for the companies. They require apps for things like dish washing machines to gather private information about us for them to use against us or sell.

But really the OP itself is more about finances. Until the early 2000s or so ordinary people could afford ordinary things if they worked hard. Now good luck affording a place to live with only one job.