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Emerging trends in computing
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Computing keeps changing. These technologies may shape the computers of the future.
Quantum and DNA computing
Quantum computing uses qubits. A normal bit is 0 or 1, but a qubit can be in a combination of both at once (superposition). For some problems, such as simulating molecules, this could be far faster than normal computers. Quantum computers are still experimental, and a powerful one could break some of today's encryption.
DNA computing uses DNA molecules to store data and carry out calculations. DNA can hold huge amounts of data in a tiny space, but it is very slow and still experimental.
DNA computing uses DNA molecules to store data and carry out calculations. DNA can hold huge amounts of data in a tiny space, but it is very slow and still experimental.
Artificial intelligence
AI systems perform tasks that normally need human intelligence: recognising speech and faces, translating languages, recommending videos, driving cars.
Many use machine learning, learning patterns from large amounts of data.
AI brings benefits, but also concerns about bias, jobs, privacy and responsibility.
Many use machine learning, learning patterns from large amounts of data.
AI brings benefits, but also concerns about bias, jobs, privacy and responsibility.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is engineering at the scale of nanometres (billionths of a metre).
In computing, it allows ever smaller transistors on chips, and new materials for faster, more efficient devices.
Other uses include medicine and stronger, lighter materials.
In computing, it allows ever smaller transistors on chips, and new materials for faster, more efficient devices.
Other uses include medicine and stronger, lighter materials.
A news story says a new computer 'uses qubits'. Which trend is this, and what is special about a qubit?
- Qubits are used in quantum computing.
- A qubit can be in a combination of 0 and 1 at the same time.
Answer: Quantum computing; a qubit can be 0 and 1 at once
Quantum computers use qubits that can be 0 and 1 at once. DNA computing uses molecules for dense storage. AI performs human-like tasks, often with machine learning. Nanotechnology works at the scale of billionths of a metre.
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