Alex Rosborough's Blog

The Future of Computing Technology

Since the invention of programmable computing hardware by Charles Babbage in 1837, the exponential growth within the computing industry has completely reconstructed how humans live their lives.

With the mass rise of manufacture during the industrial evolution, the availability of cheap materials dominated industry.

Combining this with a massive decrease in shipping costs as a result of industrialisation, the stage was set for huge technological growth.

This allowed for entrepreneurial pioneers such as Steve jobs and Bill gates to bring the power of computing to homes all over the globe.

Cracking the code

Computers use electrical circuits to process an input using logic, generating an output.

This computer process operates on a binary code system consisting of a string of 1’s and 0’s referred to as bits and it is a string of multiple bits that is referred to as code.  

This means binary computing is based on yes, no logic.

By combining multiple circuits, multiple codes can be combined for a different output allowing for more complex input and output code.

The exponential size decrease in electrical components has allowed for more circuits to be combined and the decrease in distance between components means faster computing speeds and power.

But what if code wasn’t restricted to just 1’s and 0’s

The complexity of coding could redefine the term computing.

Next generation Quantum computing

Quantum computing in based on code using quantum bits (Qbits)

A Qbit behaves much like particles in space thus instead of being a 0 or 1 is a combination of 0 and 1 in varying proportions constantly changing with time.

Once it passes through a point of observation it collapses to one of the definite states of either 0 or 1.

Using binary code, 4 bits can have a possible 16 combinations. However, 4 Qbits in superposition can be in the same 16 combinations at once growing exponentially with the addition of extra Qbits.

The principle of quantum entanglement can also be applied meaning multiple bits can interact to changes in each other’s state instantaneously regardless of distance, thus by manipulating a single Qbit can directly affect the properties of it partners without manipulation or observation.

This means computer processing power will be MUCH, MUCH faster.

This will change the world as we know it

One of the most profound applications of quantum computing is the power to simulate actual quantum physics.

Many simulations such as weather forecasting, molecular combinations in the development of new drugs are extremely costly and time consuming.

With the application of quantum computing this can be done in seconds.

Other amazing applications include:

• Military efficiency and defence strategy
• Eliminating traffic complications
• Accelerating space exploration
• Machine learning and automation
• And increasing the power of AI

This amazing technology has essentially broken the limits associated with modern world computing.

My thoughts

Moore’s Law states that computing power doubles every 2 years

However, it fails to recognise the limitations associated with a binary system, and the behaviour of electrons as particles when components become small enough for electrons to jump switches.

With this new technology these limitations are eliminated. Welcoming us to a whole new world of unimaginable technological possibilities.

This has taught me that the term impossible actually means we don’t understand yet, and maybe a term to describe our own ignorance.

I have always been a big believer in the manifestation of our own thoughts and try to believe anything is possible in life, but it is only human to put a limit on this.

I’m not going to fly to the moon without the use of a vehicle.

However this has taught me to disregard this as anything can be possible in life and made me determined to apply this not just to my working life, but my entire mindset.