A Week of Gratitude, Day 26 - Technology

Thursday, December 26, 2013
I'm a technologist. I earn my living designing communications systems for large businesses and government entities. When I was in the Navy, I worked as a communications specialist, providing ship to shore, air to shore, and air to ship communications support. I've worked in technology my entire adult life - it permeates every aspect of my professional life.

And in the last 15 years, it's permeated my personal life, as well.

I own a desktop computer. I have a laptop computer supplied by my employer. I have an iPad, a Kindle, and an iPhone. Each of these devices gives me access to the knowledge of the world. When I don't know something (or can't remember it - stupid Mad Cow), I simply "consult the Oracle" and do a Google search. The answers are immediate and fairly accurate.

Since I work in technology, I think it's easy for me to take for granted what technology does for us. Aside from the basics such as indoor plumbing, running water and central heat and air, when you stop to think about it, the ability of humanity on this side of the digital divide to access any information, anywhere, anytime, is simply amazing. The processing power in my iPhone far exceeds the computers that were used to manage the functionality of the Space Shuttle (386's - woohoo!) and makes the systems we used to put men on the Moon look like an abacus. Basically, I carry a fully functional computer around in my pocket all the time. Damn.

Today I'm grateful that I have access to most of the world's information whenever and wherever I need it.

2 comments:

Stacey said...

Unlike fifteen or twenty years ago when moving away meant talking infrequently and maybe mailing a letter and hearing news after the fact, technology has made it much easier to stay in touch on a real time basis. For that, I am grateful.

Random Michelle K said...

I freaking LOVE living in the future!

I try to remember this on a regular basis, when I get frustrated by the technology that also permeates MY life.

"This software takes SO FREAKING LONG to install! Oh, wait, I'll just pull this OTHER computer out of my pocket and start reading the book I left a home, right where I left off."

YAY FOR THE FUTURE!