Computers have drastically changed over time and are still continuing to change rapidly. Even though computers are constantly changing I believe there is still so much more to be improved upon. The part that is still missing from computers being able to replace human senses is the fact that they are not able to think on their own. Computers can solve problems and search up certain data but everything is based upon what is performed by the operator. Also, unlike computers, humans are able to produce emotions. An accomplishment that can improve this area would be for the computers to act as a robot, meaning they would have a mind of their own in the sense that humans would still have to program them in a way they would be able to operate efficiently on their own. A huge achievement in this area would be the programs that are installed on the computers that allow them to provide output and data. For example, operating systems that that computers have installed in them. These systems allow computers to produce the output humans have asked the computers to do. When you purchase a computer it comes with operating systems already installed, whereas in the past when you purchase a computer, you will still have to go out and purchase an operating system and then install it on the computer. Without the operating, the computer would not be able to function at all like a human. In order to be able to store data and process it like a human brain, computers needed processors and memory.
Memory is any kind of data stored up that can be used to apply or develop certain functions. Something that is very similar with humans and computers. Humans are taught information starting from grade school all the way to adulthood and they are constantly storing what they have learned and apply those lessons taught when needed. Very similar to the human brain, computers have memory that stores data allowing them to perform certain operations. For example, computers memory would be the Random Access Memory. The RAM in the computer can be compared to the short term memory in a human. While I believe that computers have come a long way with their memory I still think that it can be improved upon. The amount of storage allowed on computers and other devices to store memory could still be missing. The amount of memory a computer can store has definitely been enlarged, but at the rate technology is forever growing, it could be easy for them to run out of memory. While I think that the amount of memory a computer can store is still something that can be improved upon, I also think it is a huge accomplishment as well. Even when buying computers consumers are given the option of the amount of memory they would like to purchase based on the needs of the computer. Consumers are given options whereas when computers first came out, there was a very low amount of memory offered. (2015)
In order to replace the human nervous system and be able to perform, computers needed software. According to technology review, computers are constantly evolving to be able to operate like humans. Software developed by humans is needed to be able to operate like the human nervous system. Humans write the software programs to be able to tell the computers how they should operate. These programs are written to tell the computers exactly how and when to operate. What is still missing from the computer software is the fact that the software is still unable to completely function on its own. Humans will still need to power on the computer to perform the task at hand. What could be accomplished to improve this area would be having the software created so that it would be able to recognize a certain scenario and be able to identify that scenario and run to fit the needs of that scenario. What I consider to be a huge achievement for computer software are the computer chips being designed. Computer chips have been evolving since the 1980’s and continue to improve decades later. They have come a long way to be able to track and identify lost items. These chips being created are able to detect and perform certain functions given by humans, but the day when they will be able to fully operate on its own will be the day when the computer fully operates as a human nervous system. For example, telling a car how to drive on its own and get it to a location with no human intervention. (2017)
When humans want change, they are able to do it on their own. If they want to get something to eat, they can get up and walk to the refrigerator and get something to eat. If they need to take notes, they are able to use their hands and write down what they want. The output devices needed by a computer such a monitor, keyboard, printer, and mouse are given instructions just like humans give. The difference is that the computer needs assistance when working with their output devices. Also, the computer needs these output devices in order to operate. In my opinion, another big output device needed by computers would be the software used to protect the computers from viruses. What can still be accomplished by computers output devices to improve this area would maybe be to automatically have these firewalls automatically installed in the computers to protect the computer from any malfunctions. As we all know if a computer were to be impacted by a virus it can affect all the output devices needed by the computer to be able to function properly.
Storage devices have come an extremely long way. From a floppy disk, to a cd, to a flash drive, to now being able to store online. Storage devices are becoming more and more available with easy access for people to store items. Before documents just used to be stored, but now pictures, videos, documents, and so much more are available to be able to store data and maybe even offer more free options as well. Having the data accessible where anyone can view but at the same time making sure the data is kept secure and confidential.
Communication is a very important component in area of life. With computers and technology becoming the face of the future, it is important that communication is used effectively. There are more and more networks available in order to allow individuals to communicate. What could still be accomplished to improve this area would be the ability for the networks to be easily accessed and it is universal across all networks even in different countries. A huge achievement with computer networks would be the amount of networks that are available and how these networks are bringing together individuals from all over the world to be able to connect.
Personally, I do not feel that a computer could ever completely replace a human. A computer will not ever be able to completely function on its own. Also, computers will never have emotions as humans do. Guidance by a human will always be needed in order to carry out duties intended to perform on the computer. I believe a computer can come very close, but never fully replace a human. In my opinion, a computer is used to allow the human to be “lazy” or take shortcuts. The computer can perform tasks quicker than a human, but will still always require human assistance.
This project was a true eye opener. It opened my eyes to how far a computer has come from when it was first invented to where they are today. The information I discovered while researching is how the computer has evolved to being and operating like a human. Being that we use computers every single day, I never really thought about all that a computer actually does for us and how much we as humans rely on computers to perform daily functions. If it was not for a computer we would not be able to have online courses. By having computers, it has allowed us to do so much more as humans.