Introduction
The “Burning Chrome” by William Gibson is a collection of short stories addressing the origin and the future of modern computer technology and its efficacy in changing the lives of human beings. Throughout the book, the theme of contrast between software and hardware is evident, building the picture of modern cyberspace. The stories bring together different aspects of the physical and digital world and the exploitation of technology. The protagonists in the novel are two hackers, Automatic Jack and Bobby Quine. Jack acquired a piece of hacking software from Russia before Bobby used it to steal money from Chrome, connected criminal. The two hackers live an optimistic life after bringing down Chrome.
Gibson compares human anatomy with the evolving technology, which is customizable to fit every human character. The book addresses the importance of both hardware and software in developing the plot and how they differ. The central claim in this essay holds that “In William Gibson’s world, there is a clear distinction between software and hardware and that both are crucial and customizable.” The paper adopts a critical writing approach to highlight the role the distinction of software against hardware plays in conveying the central theme and developing the plot.
Role of Distinction between Software and Hardware and Their Customizability
The hardware is the physical aspect of a computer or telecommunication, while software is the programs that facilitate the computer’s commands in instructing the machine to process information. Even though hardware is permanent, the software can easily be altered to meet the needs of the user. Hardware may get obsolete with time due to technological advancement. When a new program is installed in hardware, it changes the experience from the hardware. Gibson eludes the human anatomy to the hardware that changes its ability to interpret the world. In the book, Jack and Bobby changed their interpretation of the word due to knowledge of the technology.
The modern world is a world of computer technology, and anybody who is not tech-savvy will not survive. The tech-savvy Jack and Bobby were able to bring down Chrome due to his technological ignorance. Like the hardware, humans are not customizable; therefore, the perceived difference between Chrome and tech-savvy criminals is the level of software intelligence they possess. The two, however, have one thing in common because they are lured into lust secretly. Jack is more adventurous and uses his computer skills to manipulate Rikki’s air tickets to destinations of his choice.
Both hardware and software mastery transforms people differently as portrayed in the story. Jack, the hardware expert, had a personality and worldview that differed from that of Bobby, the software expert, who loves computers throughout his life, while Jack is more adventurous. The hardware expert is more concerned about the ability of the machine to make money with ease without experiencing the rat race of life. Apparently, hardware differs from software in that they come from different starting points. The training for hardware mastery is quite different from that of the software. Jack and Bobby acquired different expertise and he goals of their expertise are, however, similar. The two converge into a common goal of exploring cyberspace. Both are driven by the desire to make money for a living and explore love for women.
Hardware and software are sources of different forms of risks. Gibson introduces Bobby as an element of confidence with high intellectual skills. His skills, however, risked him to addiction to liquor and lust for women. On the other hand, Jack was initially a talented hardware specialist and a great partner of Bobby. His life, however, transforms into vicious love for Rikki and insecurity, especially when his hand got cut off. The form of transformation between the two experts was different. Bobby ends up being in total control by lust while Jack struggles with a handicap that bars him from doing many things. The lives of the two partners, however, proved that hardware could not live without software. Jack appreciates that he cannot live without Bobby and the two loved the same things and were always there for each other. They both loved Rikki; they wanted to accomplish the same things in life and even ended up in similar problems.
The difference between hardware and software is compared with the difference between gadgets and technology. Robison uses hardware to illustrate the past, which is not expected to change. He also uses the software to illustrate the future, which is unknown. The technological exploration of the future is not static; while the past posed money, love, lust, boredom, and friendship challenges, the same challenges would face technology.
Conclusion
In essence, the contrast between software and hardware compares the past and the futuristic recognition of technology. In William Gibson’s world, it is apparent that hardware and software are distinct and are critical as well as customizable. The different professional jobs of specialization would grant them the recognition traditionally expected by their parents. While they experience intense anxiety to join legit jobs as hardware and software specialists, they are still reluctant to leave their current pirate lives.