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Computers

Computers 

Past, present, & future

The beginning

Computers have changed the way we live. They connect us by sending electrical signals through a network to convey different messages.

At first the speed and extent of that process was limited by less advanced technology. It took more hardware to complete certain tasks. For example, DSL wires would get congested but now that there are many towers built we have wireless connections that speed things up for us. Or things like fiber that communicate information through light rays.

Modern Computers

Computers have now reached a point of ultimate sufficiency.

Non-volatile memory is able to store more gigabytes of data with smaller hardware than ever before. Just a simple flash drive will probably suffice for most people’s needs. And with things like cloud storage that host large databases for different networks, there is less of a need for physical components.

Volatile memory processes different bits of information faster than ever before.

Quantum computing will amplify that to unimaginable levels.

These processes pair with GPUs to display crystal clear images. Displays have improved to pack pixels more densely onto screens providing sharper images over time.

Virtual reality takes that to the next level with a dynamic visual interface that uses tracking technology to create an experience that simulates its own reality.

AI

While computers have been able to do complex tasks for a while now, like difficult math or storing large databases, AI takes their contributions to the next level.

AI makes it so computers can make make analyses on the fly using its knowledge to save users the time from having to. Not only can it help with analyses it is also able to handle manual labor as serious as surgical operations taking advantage of automative technology, minimizing the presence of human error.

The concepts of Information technology and computer science are the foundation of Artificial Intelligence.

Information technology refers to the managing of large amounts of information with technology. It is that large amount of information that AI uses to make decisions and answer questions. Computer science refers to the processes of coding that information into different technologies.

The basis of computer programming are the languages that coders use to guide the functioning of computers. Different languages are helpful for different purposes.

“The simplest human-readable computer language is called assembly language. It's a low-level programming language that interacts directly with the computer's hardware. Low-level means it doesn't use a compiler or interpreter, and is close to the hardware. Assembly language is closely related to binary machine language.” (TestOut, 2024).

SQL is great for databases, HTML is good for the layout of a page, and Python helps to create the desired interactive content that keeps users engaged with an app or website.

Throughout the years coding has become easier because of agreements reached on standard communication methods. Each language has its own style and syntax but concepts like arrays, if and then statements, while loops, Boolean functions, etc. are the basis of each of them.

AI can now code for us. It’s even able to get a sense of a coder’s style. It will continue to handle more coding responsibilities saving businesses time and money.

Coding

Programmers use different software to serve their goals. It’s all about the interface that someone is looking for. Functionality also varies based on the operating system.

For example, Apple is known for MacOS which is beginner-friendly and capable of doing many things. Microsoft has an operating system that is more personalized and has many accompanying apps that are great for business.

“Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.”(GCFGlobal, n.d).

Aside from desktop operating systems, there are also mobile operating systems like Apple iOS and Google Android. Operating systems will adapt with modern business needs and also to the technical abilities of its users. So convenience, functionality, and creativity will lead lead the development of operating systems moving forward.

Network architecture

Most of what we do is done through the internet.

Network architecture is important because it dictates the speed and security of our online actions.

Intent-based networking is a valuable modern network architecture. “An intent-based network takes an organization's desired outcomes at a high level as input and sets up the network to achieve these objectives. It does so by automating operations extensively, analyzing network performance, pinpointing problematic areas, providing all-around security, and integrating with business processes.” (Cisco, 2025). Without consistent monitoring of your network, you are susceptible for things like cyber attacks that target your personal information. It is important to understand the information that appears on a network. The basic information like an understanding of your location indicator being your IP address help to better track the activity through a network.

References

Intent-based networking explained. (Cisco, 2025)Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/topics/networking/what-is-network-architecture.html

Computer Basics: Understanding operating systems. (n.d.). GCFGlobal.org. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/1/

TestOut Corp. (2024). CertMaster Learn Tech+. http://www.testout.com

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