Future of Computing

Overview Considering the rapid rate of change in computer and related technologies today, what can we expect in the future? Several of the computer designs that are currently being researched seem to border on science fiction. Some of these designs have yielded promising test results, and possibly will lead to a new type of computer architecture. Quantum, molecular, and DNA computing could be just on our horizon. Information about all three of these designs can be found online, including newsletters, discussion forums, research databases, and technical guides.

General Information How will future computer designs work? What are some of the online resources that can help you to keep informed of current technological trends and advancements? Visit The Harrow Group site (www.TheHarrowGroup.com) to find “The Harrow Technology Report”, which includes in-depth articles about technological advances in the fields of computer engineering and design, chemistry, biology, and physics. Click the “Sign UP!” button on the left side of the page to have this bi-weekly report e-mailed to you. The highly detailed article, “The Ultimate Limits of Computers" by Geon, discusses the physical limits of data representation, storage, and speed, regardless of the architecture of the computer. The article begins by pointing out that Moore’s Law is an observation and not a real law, and goes on to explain the physics of information storage in technical terms. This article discusses many different computer designs and provides an excellent introduction to several proposed designs. Another article that provides helpful background information about future computer designs is “Writing the Future: Computers in Science Fiction” by Jonathan Vos Post and Kirk L. Kroeker. The authors highlight the various computer-related themes in science fiction of the past that are commonplace today, and also discuss how some of today’s cutting-edge computer designs may be used in the future.

Quantum Computing Are quantum computers possible? If so, how do they work? What technologies are currently being developed that show promise for quantum computing? This HowStuffWorks.com article answers these and other questions. Further details about quantum computing can be obtained by visiting the Center for Quantum Computation’s Web site at www.qubit.org.

Molecular Computing Of all the modern architectures discussed on this page, molecular computers may be the easiest to understand and build. Visit ny.essortment.com/molecularcomput_rzyv.htm to read about how molecular computers might work, and about the tasks for which they might be best suited. Masami Hagiya’s paper, entitled “Theory and Construction of Molecular Computers”, provides details about molecular computer designs that are being researched today. 

DNA Computing Anyone who is familiar with the basic concept of genetics knows that an enormous quantity of information is stored in DNA strands. But, can we control such a complex information system? The article “How DNA Computers Will Work” by Kevin Bonsor can help you to understand the basic concepts and major stumbling blocks of this incredible computer design of the future. This Web page provides information about how DNA computing techniques, combined with nanotechnology, could lead to unbelievably small computers. Whether you are a molecular biologist, or just beginning to learn about the possibilities of DNA computers, the Web site users.tpg.com.au/users/aoaug/dna_comp.html will provide you with the appropriate guide to DNA computers.

Additional LinksTo discover what the near future has in store, sneak a peek at some Apple computer mock-ups at www.engadget.com/. Here you can find photos and sketches of Macs that are currently being developed.