In the twenty-first century, the use of technology has become an everyday occurrence. People are dependent on it in almost all aspects of life. It has made the daily functions easier and more practical, as the software programs, internet and stored memory have extended the use of information and understanding. The technological age is only starting, and it is impossible to predict what sort of changes will come in the next years. The constant development brings new changes and advances at an ever increasing rate.
The use of computer systems is built on hardware and software. The hardware is what makes the technology work and available to the public. The hard drives, monitors, computer blocks, graphic cards and other parts of the data unit, make up the personal machine that people use. The software consists of the programs and applications that people use for work. Microsoft office, numerous calculation programs, drawing and imaging software are inseparable from any computer, notebook or other modern device. The databases and communication technologies are also a part of the computing machines.
The information that is used by a person is stored in a virtual place but in a specific location. The access to the database allows for a certain kind of information and can be searched by pre-set criteria. The connection between several databases or networks lets the user communicate with other people or view the data remotely. Even the industry is built on software and hardware. The plants that manufacture products have programs with specific set of functions that can build and create without the use of human force. The life of humanity has become intertwined with the use of machines that run on software (Swedin, 2005).
A major step forward was the creation of internet, as it has become one of the most consuming forces in the world. The ability to access vast amounts of information at a touch of a finger delivers knowledge and understanding of the surrounding world. People can search for almost anything and get an answer to their question. Numerous search tools and programs let people access scientific data, as well as any other form of literature. As such, the use of internet has become a part of the business world. It is impossible to imagine what a company would do without being able to research other companies, environment or market without the use of internet.
The clientele, products and services can all be accessed via online sources and databases within the shortest periods of time. The vision or mission of any organization is to spread its influence over greatest area in the shortest time. A lot depends on the functioning of an organization within the internet or the virtual world of information. The more people can gain access to a specific want or need, the better it will be for the company. As such, the online tools and databases have become a key to success of any business (Cantoni, 2006).
The use of technology, online databases and network is the creation of the modern world. People could not possibly imagine the advantages of storage and use of such great amounts of information. It has become a resource that is used every day and without a second thought. A civilization would now be lost without computers and internet, as it makes human actions more efficient and productive.
References
Cantoni, L. (2006). Internet. Oxon, OX: Routledge.
Swedin, G. (2005). Computers: The Life Story of a Technology. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.