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When one considers the creation and production of the modern computer one must also stop to consider what forces drove the need to create them. Scientific research has long been an important focus of many cultures. Often this research was conceived of as a means to improve the quality of life in a given community. Advances in areas such as medicine and sanitation were seen as necessary in order to sustain a healthy society. The computer was also developed in order to meet the needs of its end user.
Original computers were used primarily for the purpose of advanced research. The machines, which were large and cumbersome, had little in common with the computers of today. It wasn’t until technology was created which allowed the size of computers to shrink considerably that people began to see computers as a function of everyday living. It was at this point that applications and technologies began to be conceived of and developed to meet the needs of computer users.
It is difficult to conceive of technologies that are even more advanced unless we dive in to the realm of science fiction, but in reality as more computer users discover additional uses and functionality for their computers, technology will rise of to meet these needs.
Technology should always be considered as an outcropping of the needs of the people who developed it. Until such time that humans stop needing computers, technology will continue to grow. Hopefully, it will always be able to meet the needs of users.
