When I got married in 1994, my brother-in-law used to stay in London. We didn't have a landline telephone at home, so every time we needed to talk to him (which was once every 2 or 3 months), we had to visit the ISD booth located opposite our apartment building. Later that year, we booked and got our MTNL landline, making calling and receiving calls much easier; there was no need to go outside.
Later in the same year, I started seeing advertisements for mobile handsets. Though very expensive (an incoming call used to cost Rs 32 per minute or a part thereof in 1996/97), even by today’s standards, it made life a little easier. I remember using a BPL MOTS prepaid card, paying Rs 750 every month. The initial handsets used to cost around Rs 30 to 35k in those days. Gradually, these bulky handsets gave way to small and sleek devices, with Nokia being the market leader then. Over time, handsets became more affordable.
In 2023/2024 – pick up your mobile; you are either connected to WiFi or on a 5G data pack. Calling, seeing, and talking to anyone in any corner of the world will take just a few seconds.
My experience with personal computers was somewhat similar. Our first PC had a configuration of 8 MB RAM & 1.2 GB Hard disk. A black and white CRT monitor & an 80-column 9-pin dot matrix printer were a bare minimum for a decent home office. The above hardware set me back by Rs 60k in 1996. The operating system was MS-DOS. The standard software we used was WordStar 4 for word processing and Lotus 123 for spreadsheets. We had white text on a black screen. When we upgraded to Windows 3.1, we had to increase the RAM, but we had the option of adjusting the font size and making it bold and we had black text on a white screen.
In 2023/2024 – your mobile or laptop has built-in memory of a minimum of 128 GB and RAM of 8 GB. You have all possible software/apps installed, making anything from programming to mobile banking to video calls to advanced gaming possible.
In addition to a million other areas, these are just two where technology has made incredible progress over the years. From bulky computers to sleek smartphones, the change is remarkable. The internet, a vast digital space, connects people globally.
Communication has become instant. Emails replace traditional letters. Social media platforms bring friends together virtually. Video calls bridge distances in real-time. Technology makes the world smaller.
In medicine, advancements save lives. Modern machines aid accurate diagnoses. Robotic surgery enhances precision. Medicines develop faster with advanced research tools. Technology revolutionizes healthcare.
Transportation evolves with innovations. Electric cars promise a greener future. Hyperloop concepts envision rapid travel. Drones explore delivery possibilities. Technology transforms how we move.
Entertainment adapts to digital trends. Streaming services replace traditional TV. Virtual reality creates immersive experiences. Gaming reaches new heights with realistic graphics. Technology shapes our leisure.
In education, classrooms go digital. E-learning platforms offer flexible learning. Interactive apps make studying engaging. Technology democratizes knowledge access. Learning becomes borderless.
Workplaces transform with automation. Robots handle repetitive tasks. AI analyzes data for informed decisions. Remote work expands with digital collaboration tools. Technology reshapes the job landscape.
Agriculture benefits from smart farming. Drones monitor crop health. Automated machinery increases efficiency. Precision farming optimizes resource use. Technology ensures food sustainability.
Renewable energy gains momentum. Solar panels harness the sun's power. Wind turbines generate clean electricity. Technology paves the way for a sustainable energy future. The environment benefits.
Space exploration achieves new heights. Rovers explore distant planets. Satellites provide crucial data. Private companies join the space race. Technology propels humanity beyond Earth.
Challenges accompany progress. Privacy concerns arise with increased connectivity. Cybersecurity becomes paramount. Ethical considerations in AI development emerge. Balancing innovation and responsibility is crucial.
The future holds exciting possibilities. Quantum computing promises unprecedented speed. Biotechnology opens avenues for health enhancements. Augmented reality integrates digital and physical worlds. Technology's evolution is relentless.
To sum up, the progress of technology touches every aspect of our lives. It enhances communication, healthcare, transportation, entertainment, education, and more. While challenges exist, the potential for positive impact is immense. The journey of technological advancement continues, shaping a future where possibilities are boundless.
Fascinating to read about your experience with basic computer systems and bulky mobile handsets. I remember there used to be a device called pager, which were used by field staff. Amazing the way technology has changed and is changing the world..
ReplyDelete