The Evolution of the Personal Computer

The personal computer has undergone multiple drastic changes to finally become the machine it is now. It started off as an analytical engine, transitioned into a punch card system and then finally after many tweaks and changes, became the personal computer that is being used now. Developers experimented by adding transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors. These accessories helped the computer become stronger and capable of more features. Personal computers are now used by almost every single person. They act as TV screens, music players, typewriters, and a plethora of devices, all in one. Anybody who does not own these devices can live off a personal computer. Businesses and individuals are dependent on PCs alike. They are also the backbone of the educational and healthcare industries since all data is recorded on them. They support all types of software which makes it convenient to shift all operations online.

With how dependent businesses are on computers, it is crucial for them to invest in an IT asset tracking software so that they can track all their devices and relevant IT assets. The digitalization of data, order taking, appointment booking, and multiple other processes has caused people to religiously use computers. Desktops are used in places where it is known that the machine does not have to be relocated whereas laptops are used when mobility is required. Nonetheless, both variants of the computer are extremely useful and durable. If they are maintained and repaired on time with their software completely up to date, they can be used for decades.

There are multiple ways in which the evolution of the personal computer has been so beneficial for both businesses and individuals:

1)  Accessibility of Information

Since almost all data is recorded on computers, it has become easier to access information. This is also due to the availability of the internet and everything it has to offer. Databases can be shared among different systems. This is helpful especially for retail businesses since they can keep an eye on their inventory or check if another branch of the store has a product that customers are looking for. Hospitals can maintain patient records which can be accessed by doctors and other healthcare providers. Educational institutions have all the information they need about students ranging from their academic performance to extra-curricular activities they participate in. Apart from databases, any and every type of information can be searched for on the internet. In older times, people depended on encyclopedias for this very function. Research has made it a lot more convenient for researchers to come up with data and access the information they need.  

2)  Better productivity

The latest version of personal computers enables people to be extremely productive since these computers are faster, durable, and work for longer hours. They do not need to be frequently charged and have multiple functions which can help get work done in shorter periods of time. Users can shift between multiple tabs and multitask too. There are different modes which can be used to further help with productivity. There are a plethora of applications which can be used such as word documents, spreadsheets, as well as software for graphic designing and video editing. Business operations have been made easier. A lot of work can be done in a very short time due to these computers. Typing is one of the biggest advantages of the modern computer since typing is faster than writing on paper and it is very environmentally friendly to store files online.

3)  Improved Communication

Computers have improved communication channels for people. They help people connect better with the use of social media applications and calling software. People within organizations can share files with each other without having to physically transfer them. Emailing has always been the preferred mode of communication in companies, and this was only made possible due to modern technologies since emails can now be drafted, edited, and sent within seconds. The use of integrated webcams, speakers, and microphones has made video calling a norm now. Conferences and meetings can be easily held online. This has encouraged remote work too. The global economy would have collapsed if it weren’t for remote work. Work from home policies were introduced after the pandemic since computers can also be used at home for the same functions as they are used in offices.

4)  Education

Distance learning became a lot more common with the introduction of modern computers and video calling technologies. Students can access their curriculum online and can work on projects by accessing information from the internet. Students can complete college courses online and get degrees through distance learning. Some students can also study courses they like for extra knowledge or to add to their resumes. Teachers can easily share material with their students online which they can access from home too. This is also due to modern computers supporting all types of files now. These files can be shared over the internet and can be uploaded or downloaded anywhere. Students in remote areas can access online courses through computers as well. Online education has become more common after the pandemic since it is a tried and tested method and computers can take on this much load for online classes.

Conclusion:

Modern technology has made everything digital. Personal computers have undergone so many changes and offer a lot of functions to users. A lot of daily operations have been made possible due to computers. The pandemic tested the limits of the modern computer and it proved to be a resilient device since it carried the global economy through quarantine and lockdown periods. All sorts of applications can be accessed from a single device since personal computers have multidimensional uses. They can be used to run business operations, record patient data, download and upload educational material, and to watch movies simultaneously. This shows the range of activities that can be made possible due to computers. It took developers nearly a hundred years to come up with the device we have today, but this would not have been possible without all the experiments which were carried out in older times.