21st Century Technology

Kamryn Smith

Art 211

Professor Roundtree

March 1^st, 2018

21^st Century Technology

Over the course of the last century, technology has become the one the main tools of human interaction. Technology comes in the form of cell phones, laptops, and many other ways - even blankets! Although forms of technology have been around for centuries, certain technological tools, including the computer, have transformed the way humans learn, and communicate. Variations of that legacy technology is incorporated into a range of devices used in everyday life today.

The invention of computers was an innovation whose impact has grown immensely over time. Although there is not a simple answer to what inspired the creation of computers, it is argued that “The Slide Rule” invented in 1622 by William Outghtred, presents a reasonable basis for why the computer was later invented. The Slide Rule consists of “two scales side by side in order to read the distance between one another, thus multiplying and dividing directly.” Nobody knows for sure what prompted the invention of the computer.  There are educational guesses as to the reason, but those guesses are many. (“Slide Rule History”).

Originally in the early 1940’s, computers were used to store data and memory. They were powered through the use of a vacuum tube and used magnetic drums to store information. Since the computers were considered “high tech” and “rare” at the time, they were very expensive and unfortunately, very slow. The computer’s physical size created problems on its own and also generated almost too much electric power. Using a lot of electric power caused the computers to overheat which became a recurring issue. (“How Have Computers Developed and Changed?”).

By the 1950’s, vacuum tubes were no longer required and instead were replaced by transistors. Transistors made computers run more effectively and more available for computer users to purchase. Although the computers were more “high tech” than their predecessors, the computers would still overheat and cause harm internally. At this time, the people who bought computers were only those who truly needed them, nowhere near the widespread use that we see today. (“How Have Computers Developed and Changed?”).

Although all credit should not be given to Apple in terms of consumerization of the computer, the company certainly deserves a lot. A legendary innovator named Steve Jobs created a computer that made the use of technology much more significant, more user friendly, and alas, available to the public. In 1977, Apple released a computer with color graphics. In just fourteen years, Apple released yet another product, its first portable computer. Shortly after, another computer was released that included “a touchscreen and featured tools found in today’s smartphones, such as an address book, calendar, and email functions.” By 1998, Apple revealed the IMac desktop computer. That continuous pace of innovation has always positioned Apple at the forefront of consumer technology.

Although Apple built a prominent reputation by creating laptops, the company now sells products including IPhone’s, IPad’s, Watch’s, IPod’s and more. Today, Apple products are used by 64% of Americans. (“America Loves Its Apple. Poll Finds That the Average Household Owns More than Two Apple Products.”). While other Apple products are widely used today, the computer on its own has become a necessity in most professional work environments. Instead of being used for just storing data and memory, computers are now a main source of communication. According to (“How Have Computers Developed and Changed?”), “9 out of 10 people, will use their laptop to interact and or plan a meeting, instead of speaking via phone call. The steady progression of product improvements in personal computing devices will continue to improve and become an even more common use of communication amongst all.

In one century, computers went from storing data and an uncommon tool for many to becoming one of the most common day to day educational and communication tools for humans. In 2018, children are learning how to type on a keyboard at a young age to prepare themselves for a future rooted in technology. Overtime, more people are using their computer to search and learn information through the online source, Google. I believe that new technology is influenced by past technology creations. The original Apple computer influenced the creation of each subsequent Apple Product since. Technology is an everlasting quest and computers will continue to forge forward, surprise us all and improve communications and the daily life of almost all humans.

Works Cited

Baker, Liana B., et al. “Timeline: Apple Milestones and Product Launches.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 2 Mar. 2011, www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-timeline/timeline-apple-milestones-and-product-launches-idUSTRE72170T20110302.

“How Have Computers Developed and Changed?” The Workplace Depot, www.theworkplacedepot.co.uk/news/2013/03/22/how-have-computers-developed-and-changed/.

Liesman, Steve. “America Loves Its Apple. Poll Finds That the Average Household Owns More than Two Apple Products.” CNBC, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2017, www.cnbc.com/2017/10/09/the-average-american-household-owns-more-than-two-apple-products.html.

“Slide Rule History.” Oughtred Society Slide Rule History., www.oughtred.org/history.shtml.