Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
MOST OF US TAKE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE FOR GRANTED. In the past two decades alone,
we have witnessed the emergence of exciting new technologies, including smartphones,
MP3 players, digital photography, email, and the World Wide Web. There is good reason
to say we are living in the Information Age. Never before have so many people had such
easy access to information. The two principal catalysts for the Information Age have
been low-cost computers and high-speed communication networks (Figure 1.1). Even
in a society accustomed to change, the rate at which computers and communication
networks have transformed our lives is breathtaking.
In 1950 there were no more than a handful of electronic digital computers in the
world. Today we are surrounded by devices containing embedded computers. We rely
upon microprocessors to control our heating and cooling systems, microwaves, smart-
phones, elevators, and a multitude of other devices we use every day. Thanks to micro-
processors, our automobiles get better gas mileage and produce less pollution. On the
other hand, the days of the do-it-yourself tune-up are gone. It takes a mechanic with
computerized diagnostic equipment to work on a modern engine.
FIGURE 1.1
Low-cost computers and high-speed communication networks make possible
the products of the Information Age, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4. It functions as
a phone, email client, Web browser, camera, video recorder, digital compass, and more.
(Marian Stanca/Alamy)
