Over the last few decades, technology has continued to develop at a fast pace. There are famous examples of technological advancements like the invention of the smartphone in 1992, and the introduction of the iPhone in 2007. Since then, the product has influenced so many smartphones that have followed, as well as advances in the iPhone itself.
The same can be said for computer technology. It continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, and the recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence technology show that businesses need to take digital transformation seriously. This transformation can be complex for corporations which is why companies now exist that can offer support both in the commercial and charity sectors.
Past developments in computer technology
The story of computer technology isn’t one that began just yesterday. The seeds of our modern marvels were sown decades ago, with pivotal moments peppering the 20th century. Here are a few key milestones that illustrate the remarkable progress we’ve made:
1936: The Birth of the Modern Computer –
Alan Turing conceptualized the Turing machine, laying the theoretical groundwork for the modern computer. This theoretical model described a machine capable of manipulating symbols according to a set of rules, forming the basis for the digital computers we use today.
1943: The Colossus Takes Shape –
During World War II, the British developed the Colossus Mark 1, an electronic computer designed to crack German Enigma codes. This colossal machine marked a significant shift from mechanical to electronic computing, paving the way for faster and more powerful computers.
1951: The UNIVAC I Arrives –
The Universal Automatic Computer I (UNIVAC I) became the first commercially available electronic computer in the United States. It was used for various applications, including weather forecasting and census data processing. The UNIVAC I marked a turning point, demonstrating the potential of computers beyond military applications.
1956: The first keyboard used to input data–
While the concept of a computer existed, human interaction with these early machines was far from intuitive. The invention of the first keyboard in 1956 marked a significant leap forward, allowing users to input data in a more efficient and user-friendly way.
1974: The introduction of the Altair 8800-
Altair 8800 is considered to be the first personal computers (PCs) that democratized access to computing power. These early PCs, though limited in processing power and memory compared to today’s machines, sparked a revolution, paving the way for the ubiquitous PCs that define our modern world.
1974: Microsoft Enters the Scene- The founding of Microsoft in 1975 ushered in a new era of personal computing. With the introduction of groundbreaking operating systems like MS-DOS and later Windows, Microsoft played a crucial role in making computers accessible to the average user.
These key dates show clear advancements in the space of 30 years, in a time where technology didn’t exist in day to day life, which is a stark contrast to today. These developments in computer technology are only going to speed up as the world gets smarter.
What are some of the recent developments in computer technology? Keep on reading to find out.
Recent Breakthroughs in Computer Technology
The pace of innovation in computer technology shows no signs of slowing down.
The relentless march of progress is a defining characteristic of our modern world. From the invention of the smartphone to the ever-evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence, computer technology is at the heart of this relentless change.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the most exciting recent breakthroughs:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
One of the more recent advances in the world of computer technology is the introduction of AI technology. Many businesses up and down the country now use it as a part of their workflow, speeding up tasks leading to faster outputs. Some examples of generative AI’s that are easily accessible online are Google Gemini and Open AI’s Chat GPT. These have been grabbing media attention in recent months.
AI can be implemented in Microsoft products to make workflows easier. For example, with Excel you can use AI to automate routine tasks, turn a printed data table into an editable spreadsheet, as well as importing data from web pages in the Get Data from Web feature. According to Medium, this can help reduce task time by 50%.
When it comes to computer technology, its effects will be significant. AI will have the ability to harness mass amounts of data, and AI’s learned intelligence helps make optimal decisions in a fraction of the time it would take humans to do so. It will also be able to feed back analytics in record time, on software efficiency and productivity.
While AI encompasses a broad range of techniques, deep learning has emerged as a particularly powerful subfield. Deep learning algorithms are inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, utilizing artificial neural networks with multiple layers. Deep learning algorithms have dramatically improved the accuracy of image and speech recognition tasks.
Facial recognition software powered by deep learning is now used in applications ranging from security systems to social media platforms. Similarly, voice assistants like Siri and Alexa rely heavily on deep learning for accurate speech recognition and natural language processing.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is another area that is advancing in the computer technology space. Cloud computing allows IT professionals to store data and access resources through the internet, helping to solve many storage and security problems. It can also help users save money, due to only paying for the ‘cloud space’ used. It also removes the need for an on-premises ERP, making your data accessible anywhere.
Back in 2008, cloud computers existed however they were not as sophisticated as they are today, and were not popular. 2010 saw big companies like Microsoft, AWS and OpenStack develop private clouds that were fairly functional, marking the start of the cloud computing momentum. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development of cloud computing, thanks to the nature of remote working.
In today’s world, cloud computing works hand in hand with AI technology, creating a quick and efficient business operation. This will be another area that will continue to develop over time.
Monitoring
The world of monitoring is also advancing, with the use of AI. Monitoring is the processes and systems used to monitor and record user activity on a PC or computer network, and can help businesses track the workflow of their employees. As well as this, monitoring can track internet activity and document access, which can link directly to the security of confidential documents.
Monitoring software nowadays are very effective, but this never used to be the case. Windows started introducing monitoring software to its desktops in the early 90’s, called a LAN (Local Area Network). They peaked in the early 2000’s. In order for a LAN to work, a collection of devices need to be in one location such as an office or a home, but now the nature of hybrid working makes an LAN ineffective.
New cognitive systems like Microsoft Cortana can help keep track of computer data, as well as performing daily tasks.
Overall, the examples above are only a few examples that show the influence of computer technology and are only going to further progress over time.
