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Sunday
March 21, 2010 Since 1922 |
What’s in the future of the computer world?
By Aaron Barbee
Contributor Published June 7, 2009 Question: Aaron, what do you think computers will be like in the near and distant future? What is the trend do you see going towards?
Answer: I would say in the next five to 10 years, Microsoft as we know them today will not exist. The company may still be around, but I think by that time, computer operating systems (such as Windows) and desktop applications (such as Word and Excel) will be replaced by free alternative software. If that happens, I think it will be better for everyone.
One item of interest in the works is flexible and bendable computers. They’re calling them “fabric PCs.” Circuit boards and pretty much all components of a computer can now be printed on bendable plastics. Once this becomes mainstream, you’ll see laptop computers sewn directly into fabric binders and possibly even jackets. This is done with special printers that print a solid material onto flexible fabrics. These printers look very much like traditional paper printers we all know. Eventually, it’s theorized that making computers can be done from a desktop rather than a full-blown factory.
Another neat idea I’ve seen is having computers the size of a pen. The idea is that you can use one end of the device to project a screen that looks like a monitor, and the other end of the device to project a keyboard layout on the tabletop. When you type on the projected keyboard (actually touching the table rather than a traditional keyboard) the strokes are registered to the device enabling you to type and interact. The same would be done with a mouse. This technology seems like it’s a long ways out, but it sure does seem possible and very interesting.
Lastly, this one may stir a lot of controversy, but it’s definitely in the works. The most interesting technology I’ve seen so far is having electronics implanted into your body. Scientists have successfully gotten brain cells and neurons to fuse with electronic implants. A man is able to control a computer with thoughts, thanks to an implant. Down the road, I see the next step being to extend our mind to link with a computer. Imagine the implications this will have. Right or wrong, good or bad, the possibilities are endless.
Check out my Web site www.TexasComp
uterGuru.com for supplemental information and previous articles as well.
Aaron Barbee owns Texas Computer Guru, a local computer services company for on-site business and residential needs. He can be contacted at 281-628-5099. E-mail questions for Aaron to sunnews(at)baytownsun.com.
Contributor Published June 7, 2009 Question: Aaron, what do you think computers will be like in the near and distant future? What is the trend do you see going towards?
Answer: I would say in the next five to 10 years, Microsoft as we know them today will not exist. The company may still be around, but I think by that time, computer operating systems (such as Windows) and desktop applications (such as Word and Excel) will be replaced by free alternative software. If that happens, I think it will be better for everyone.
One item of interest in the works is flexible and bendable computers. They’re calling them “fabric PCs.” Circuit boards and pretty much all components of a computer can now be printed on bendable plastics. Once this becomes mainstream, you’ll see laptop computers sewn directly into fabric binders and possibly even jackets. This is done with special printers that print a solid material onto flexible fabrics. These printers look very much like traditional paper printers we all know. Eventually, it’s theorized that making computers can be done from a desktop rather than a full-blown factory.
Another neat idea I’ve seen is having computers the size of a pen. The idea is that you can use one end of the device to project a screen that looks like a monitor, and the other end of the device to project a keyboard layout on the tabletop. When you type on the projected keyboard (actually touching the table rather than a traditional keyboard) the strokes are registered to the device enabling you to type and interact. The same would be done with a mouse. This technology seems like it’s a long ways out, but it sure does seem possible and very interesting.
Lastly, this one may stir a lot of controversy, but it’s definitely in the works. The most interesting technology I’ve seen so far is having electronics implanted into your body. Scientists have successfully gotten brain cells and neurons to fuse with electronic implants. A man is able to control a computer with thoughts, thanks to an implant. Down the road, I see the next step being to extend our mind to link with a computer. Imagine the implications this will have. Right or wrong, good or bad, the possibilities are endless.
Check out my Web site www.TexasComp
uterGuru.com for supplemental information and previous articles as well.
Aaron Barbee owns Texas Computer Guru, a local computer services company for on-site business and residential needs. He can be contacted at 281-628-5099. E-mail questions for Aaron to sunnews(at)baytownsun.com.