Fixing the IBM 2741
We had an IBM 2741 computer terminal at Tymshare.
The 2741 is a Selectric typewriter installed in a stand the size of a small desk.
Our 2741 was misbehaving.
I had no idea who in Tymshare had ordered the 2741 but I took it upon myself to get it fixed.
I supposed that I would have to track the official interface between Tymshare and IBM.
I called IBM first, however.
The person who answered merely asked “Where is it?”.
I gave him the street address and later that afternoon someone from IBM came out and fixed it.
I suppose the repair man might have found a serial number somewhere on the terminal and charged it to the “right account” but I rather think that IBM had somehow managed to eliminate the paper-work and merely fix broken 2741’s.