I learned how to type back in grade school and had some limited internet access through work since 1995. I loved it, so I got it at home around 1997 or so, maybe sooner.
Watchtower did one thing for me- they gave me the CD-ROM library and assigned me talks. That led to my becoming a great computer/internet searcher. I could find anything. I would be talking to a "brother" on the phone who said he couldn't find information on a given subject and I would find it while he was explaining what he couldn't find.
That led to finding great travel deals on the internet, improving the recruiting territory using available internet maps, etc. etc. etc.
I was able to heavily research using WT information and then using outside information.
I am really surprised it took me so long to disobey WTS and google "Jehovah's Witnesses."
The internet and the ex-JW community within are my friends and my anchors in life now.