The Ecology of Media 17.09.2008

Computers have been around for most of my life. And I find it hard to believe that a few short years before that, they were a relatively new technology to the general public. Both my parents went to Humber College to take a computer course, so they would know how to use computers at their work, and many other people had to follow the same steps. 

Computers didn't come to be until around the 1940's, and even then, they were said to be massive machines that took up an entire room, and were mainly used in businesses. The military has probably been using computers for a lot longer than the general public, but then they always seem to have everything first. Computers used to be a rarity, something that you were privileged to have. Now, you can barely find a home that doesn't have a computer. I know my house has one functioning one, and about 3 more buried in our basement. I have always had a computer, and have grown up knowing how to use one. But my parents both had to learn how to use a computer, as it was a new technology to their generation.

Computers were made most likely to make jobs easier, and to have information accessible to people. They have certainly succeeded, as you can do anything on your computer today like checking the weather, buying products, or even taking pictures.

Computers have definitely sophisticated over the years, as their demands and purposes has broadened. They will begin to thrive in the coming years, but hopefully societies dependence on the computer will lessen within a few short years... but I doubt it.