The article is about the 90s, internet access was not a given scanners were expensive, QR codes as we know them didn't exist, and you may not have had a second computer to read the manual explaining why the first computer didn't work.
Also, manuals meant something. Nowadays paper manuals included with products are mostly legal stuff about all the things you can't do and limits on warranty. Maybe a quick start guide. But the actual manual is often not included.
Also, manuals meant something. Nowadays paper manuals included with products are mostly legal stuff about all the things you can't do and limits on warranty. Maybe a quick start guide. But the actual manual is often not included.