by Barry Marcus

Created on: April 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 27, 2009

Computers have become indispensable for the continued functioning of today's society permeating every aspect of our lives. For more and more people a computer or perhaps two or three computers in the home have become a necessity.

Computers have been making an impact on society for several decades. Computers began their long march into our lives decades ago. They were giant number crunchers able to process large volumes of business transactions replacing large numbers of staff.

Electronic calculators became common place in the late 1960's replacing the mechanical adding machines and simplifying complex calculations for ordinary people.

The process of automation continued in the business environment during the 1970's and into the 1980's. By this time computers were becoming indispensable as a business tool but the average man in the street could quite happily live without them.

The introduction of the personal computer in the 1980's marked the beginning of a major change in the use of computers and their impact into all aspects of our lives. The earliest personal computers were built in the 1970's. Within a decade the personal computer began to have a major impact on the way that business used computers as well as those used at home. Since the development of microprocessors began, almost every item that we use includes some element of computerisation.

Since their introduction personal computers have become more and more affordable. Cellular phones made their appearance and have impacted the lives of the entire planet. Computer technology has largely replaced the more traditional forms of communication. Traditional telephone exchanges are now totally reliant on computer technology. Without computers a simple land-line call cannot take place.

Email has largely replaced 'snail mail'. The Internet is now a primary source of information, the basis of much business and personal communication and commerce. Regular trips to the bank are now a thing of the past. Auto tellers have replaced people for cash transactions. The latest smart credit cards only work when a computer is available to process the transaction. Motor vehicles have not escaped the use of microprocessors to perform a range of functions.

During the 1980's it was still possible for many organisations to do business when their systems were down. Banks were able to accept deposits and process withdrawals even when their systems were down. The cinema was able to issue tickets without a computer.

All that has changed. A lack of power or the failure of a computer system in today's society results in business grinding to a halt.

Today's society is totally reliant on computers for almost any product or service. The technology of the age cannot function without computers. The world has lost the technology to carry on business and a whole host of services without computers. Even the issuing of bus tickets and railway signalling systems are computerised.

Major manufacturers now rely on a series of microprocessors to control the entire manufacturing process. A handful of staff control production from a large computer screen. When problems occur, repairs are carried out from remote locations.

Typewriters are a thing of the past. All printers are computerised. There is barely any technology left that does not rely on computer technology.

The digital age has impacted all of our lives and today's society is no longer able to function without computer technology.

We are all seriously addicted!

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