People

Ian McNaught-Davis

Mac - the face of BBC computing

Television presenter who introduced millions of Britons to computing through the BBC's Computer Literacy Project programmes.

bbc-micro televisionbbceducationpresentercomputer-literacy 1929–2014

Overview

Ian McNaught-Davis, known as “Mac,” was the presenter who made computing approachable for millions through BBC television. As co-presenter of The Computer Programme (1982) and Making the Most of the Micro (1983), he played the role of curious beginner, asking the questions viewers wanted answered.

His relaxed, unpretentious style helped demystify computers at a crucial moment when Britain was deciding whether to embrace the microcomputer revolution.

Fast Facts

  • Born: 1929, UK
  • Died: 2014
  • Profession: Television presenter, mountaineer
  • Key shows: The Computer Programme, Making the Most of the Micro
  • Partner: Chris Serle
  • Era: BBC Computer Literacy Project (1982-1984)

Television Career

McNaught-Davis presented the core BBC computing shows:

  • The Computer Programme (1982) - 10 episodes introducing computing
  • Making the Most of the Micro (1983) - Follow-up series
  • Micro Live (1984-1987) - Magazine-format computing show

The Double Act

Mac worked alongside Chris Serle, creating an effective dynamic:

  • Serle played the complete beginner
  • Mac was slightly more knowledgeable
  • Both learned on-screen with viewers
  • Questions were never “stupid”
  • Technical guests provided expertise

This format made computing accessible without being condescending.

The Computer Programme

The 1982 series covered:

  • What computers are and do
  • Programming in BASIC
  • Graphics and sound
  • Word processing
  • Databases
  • Telecommunications
  • The future of computing

It aired alongside the launch of the BBC Micro, creating a complete learning package.

Other Career

Before television, McNaught-Davis was a notable mountaineer who climbed with Chris Bonington. This background gave him credibility as someone who approached challenges methodically.

Legacy

For a generation of British children, Mac’s friendly face was synonymous with learning about computers. His approach influenced how computing was taught and communicated.

See Also