Then and Now: A Journey Through Computer Components
The College of Computer Studies opened its doors to the Lasallian community to reminisce about the evolution of computer architecture with an exhibit with the theme, Then & Now: A Journey Through Computer Components. The activity was hosted by the CSARCH2 students of Mr. Roger Luis Uy, and was held from March 7 to 8, 2024 at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall grounds. By tracing the journey of computer components from their humble beginnings to the cutting-edge technologies of today, the exhibit aimed to provide insights into the rapid advancements in computing that have transformed industries and societies globally. Through engaging discussions and creative presentations, this activity sought to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration among participants, and encourage them to explore the intersections between computer science, engineering, and other fields. Ultimately, this journey through the past, present, and future of computer components would not only enlighten but also empower individuals to contribute to the ongoing innovation and development in the realm of computing.
One of the highlights of the exhibit was the presentation of the evolution of storage media and digital cameras. Visitors were taken on a nostalgic walk from storage mediums like punch cards and magnetic tapes to the present-day portable external hard drives and cloud storage. Similarly, they traced the development of cameras from bulky handheld devices to the seamless integration of high-quality cameras in smartphones and laptops, showcasing the remarkable advancements in both storage and imaging technologies.
The history of two iconic operating systems, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS, was also vividly portrayed. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about Microsoft’s rise as the default consumer operating system, while exploring its competitive rivalry with Apple’s macOS and the mutual drive for innovation that fueled the evolution of both platforms.
From the early electronic synthesizers of the 1930s to the cutting-edge AI technology of today, visitors also witnessed the remarkable advancements in software and hardware that have revolutionized speech synthesis as a field of computing. An exhibit highlight was the demonstration of AI-generated voice synthesis, where visitors could witness the functionality to replicate any voice with just 30 seconds of input, creating lifelike voice narrations indistinguishable from the original speaker.
Gaming enthusiasts were also treated to a nostalgic journey through the evolution of gaming consoles, from the humble beginnings of vintage consoles to the latest innovations in gaming technology, including the popular Nintendo Switch. The exhibit provided a glimpse into the evolution of gaming hardware, highlighting the transformative impact of technology on the gaming industry.
Moreover, attendees explored the remarkable evolution of smartphones, from the early models with limited functionality to the sleek touchscreen devices of today. With increased connectivity and accessibility, smartphones have become indispensable tools in our daily lives, revolutionizing communication, entertainment, and productivity.
With the conclusion of this journey through the evolution of computer components, it is remarkable that the progress that everyone witnessed is not just a testament to human ingenuity but also a reminder of the enormous potential to innovate and transform the world. From the humble beginnings of punch cards and bulky cameras to the seamless integration of AI technology and smart devices, each technological advancement represents a triumph of human creativity and perseverance.
The “Then & Now: A Journey Through Computer Components” inspires everyone to not simply reminisce about the past, but rather look to the future with excitement and anticipation. For it is in the unknown depths of tomorrow that our greatest achievements await, waiting to be discovered by those bold enough to dream and daring enough to act.
Article by Daphne Janelyn Go
Photos by ARTiPhotography
