The History and Future of Computers
The history of computers is connected to the
fundamentals of information technology through the many advancements over the
years. Souvik (2021) talks about the First Generation Computers using machine
language, the basics of information technology. The progression of programming
languages made it possible to apply machine language to complex programs in a
fraction of the time. You could say that code almost writes itself nowadays due
to the simplicity of programs like Scratch. Thanks to the forefathers/mothers
of programming, we can now create web pages with just a few clicks of our
mouse.
The history of computers is related to the basic
concepts of database and database management in various ways. A simple example
would be timecards at work. We have gone from having to physically punch our
time to it being automatically logged on a digital database with just a touch
of a button or scanning a card. “Everywhere that we see, computers offer
efficiency in operations, quick transactions, and the ability to store unlimited
data” (Souvik, 2021, para. 1). Rather than having piles and piles of paperwork,
all that same information is stored neatly in a database.
Information technology involves working with hardware
and software, whereas computer science deals with developing and testing
software and software systems. The future of computers is related to the
concepts of information technology and computer science because, according to
Greene (2021), “We’re pushing up against Moore’s law and beginning to get
diminishing returns when it comes to creating more powerful classical systems.
On the other hand, we’re also on the cusp of several new computing paradigms.
And it’s clear that, at some point, we’ll move beyond traditional
supercomputing” (para. 1). We need to continue to push forward with innovation
and exploration into fields such as quantum computing and photonic computing.
These concepts are the backbone of such improvement.
The future of computers relies even more on the major
hardware components and functions of a modern computer system due to the
increased diversity of uses for computers. For example, the most aggressive
home use for a computer is gaming. A gaming computer is already a massive piece
of hardware; the customizations usually given to these computers are extensive.
These computers are not just used for gaming; they are used for streaming to
viewers, recording footage of the game, editing, and other uses that require
different hardware than before. Businesses relying more on electronics will do
the same. The average desk computer now has two monitors, a massive CPU, and
other pieces. In schools, at work, at home, and in the public space, a user’s
functions for a computer will call for an increase of sturdier and faster
running major components.
Future computers will use programming languages and
program execution methods to do many things. “[Grace Hopper] suggested creating a programming language
that used English words instead of assembly language or machine code, to make
programming more accessible” (Vahid & Lysecky, 2017, p. 1.2). This achievement
was just the beginning of a fast progression of programming that will one day exceed
our wildest imaginations. I see a future with dermal implants that can do
anything from making a call, internally playing music, or instantly interpreting language.
The role that application software plays in the future
of computers is enormous. Applications are commonly mistaken as simple time
wasters on a phone or tablet, attributing the term to Instagram or any number
of phone games. The future of computers says the opposite. Applications are
becoming commonplace for basic tasks and taking the place of many traditional
websites and programs on most electronic devices. Businesses will soon
incorporate this into their work, and few have already begun. Perhaps, in the
future, we will have more stores where apps allow customers to walk in and out
of stores with products with no fear because they have already purchased the
item. Amazon has these stores, but Walmart, Target, or others could follow
suit.
The organization and control of a network will keep
future computers and users’ time online safe and smooth. This safety requires a
network architecture designed to be clear and organized, with information on
all types and locations of devices and network management programs to help
assist users through any problems and do system analysis and checks. Network
security is hugely important in the future of computers because most people use their private information online daily. For this reason, a
network must have barriers to prevent harm to the user. Many install VPNs, or
virtual private networks, into their phones and devices, but services such as
Cloud offer protective measures.
I want to pose a
question; how will humans continue to play a role in computer advancement
versus computers themselves? Souvik (2021) believes that it is possible that
computers of the future will become intelligent but will still be controlled by
humans. In other words, they do not see a ‘Matrix’-like or ‘iRobot’-like
future. I must confess that sometimes I wonder if AI will be able to destroy us in the distant future. If you have ever
watched ‘War Games,’ you are aware of the catastrophic possibilities.
References
Greene, T.
(2021, November 3). The 4 computer systems of the future (and what we’ll use
them for). TNW | Neural. https://thenextweb.com/news/4-computer-systems-future-what-well-use-them-for
Souvik.
(2021, December 17). The history and the future of computers. RS Web
Solutions. https://www.rswebsols.com/tutorials/technology/computers-history-future
Vahid, F.,
& Lysecky, S. (2017). Computing technology for all.
zybooks.zyante.com/
