History of the development of computer science

Concept of the information society

The history of civilization has seen several information revolutions—transformations of social relations due to fundamental changes in information processing. The consequence of such transformations was the acquisition of a new quality by human society.

The first revolution was associated with the invention of writing, which led to a gigantic qualitative and quantitative leap. It became possible to transmit knowledge from generation to generation.

The second (mid-16th century) was caused by the invention of printing, which radically changed industrial society, culture, and the organization of activities.

The third (late 19th century) was caused by the invention of electricity, which gave rise to the telegraph, telephone, and radio, allowing for the rapid transmission and accumulation of information in any volume.

The fourth (1970s) is associated with the invention of microprocessor technology and the emergence of the personal computer. Computers, computer networks, and data transmission systems (information communications) are created using microprocessors and integrated circuits. This period is characterized by three fundamental innovations:

• transition from mechanical and electrical means of information conversion to electronic ones;

• miniaturization of all units, devices, instruments, machines;

• Creation of software-controlled devices and processes.

To create a more complete picture of this period, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the information below on the change in generations of electronic computers (ECM) and compare this information with the stages in the field of information processing and transmission.

• Information on the change in computer generations: 1st generation (early 1950s). The electronic components were vacuum tubes. These computers were characterized by large dimensions, high power consumption, low performance, low reliability, and code-based programming.

• 2nd generation (since the late 1950s). The electronic base is made up of semiconductor components. All technical characteristics have been improved compared to the previous generation of computers. Algorithmic languages ​​are used for programming.

• 3rd generation (early 1960s). The electronic components were integrated circuits and multilayer printed circuit boards. Computer size was dramatically reduced, reliability increased, and performance increased. Access from remote terminals was possible.

• 4th generation (since the mid-1970s). The basic components are microprocessors and large-scale integrated circuits. Technical characteristics have improved. Mass production of personal computers. Development directions: powerful multiprocessor computing systems with high performance, creation of low-cost microcomputers.

• 5th generation (since the mid-1980s). The development of intelligent computers began, though it has not yet been successful. Computer networks were introduced into all areas, and their interconnection, distributed data processing, and computer information technologies were widely used.

The latest information revolution is bringing to the fore a new sector— the information industry —related to the production of technical means, methods, and technologies for generating new knowledge. All forms of information technology, especially telecommunications, are becoming crucial components of the information industry. Modern information technology relies on advances in computer technology and communications.

Information technology (IT) is a process that uses a set of means and methods for collecting, processing,g and transmitting data (primary information) to obtain new quality information about the state of an object, process, or phenomenon.

Telecommunications is the remote transmission of data based on computer networks and modern technical means of communication.

The increasing complexity of industrial production, social, economic,  and political life, and the changing dynamics of processes in all spheres of human activity have led, on the one hand, to an increase in the need for knowledge, and on the other, to the creation of new means and methods for satisfying these needs.

The rapid development of computer technology and information technology has served as an impetus for the development of a society built on the use of various information, and known as the information society.

Japanese scientists believe that in an information society, computerization will give people access to reliable sources of information, free them from routine work, and ensure a high level of automation of information processing in production and social spheres. The driving force behind social development should be the production of information, not material products. Material products will become more information-intensive, which means an increased share of innovation, design, and marketing in their value.

In the information society, not only production but also the entire way of life and value system will change, and the importance of cultural leisure will increase relative to material values. Compared to an industrial society, where everything is focused on the production and consumption of goods, in the information society, intelligence and knowledge are produced and consumed, leading to an increase in the share of mental labor. People will be required to be creative, and the demand for knowledge will increase.

The material and technological basis of the information society will be various types of systems based on computer technology and computer networks, information technology, and telecommunications.

An information society is a society in which the majority of workers are engaged in the production, storage, processing, and sale of information, especially its highest form – knowledge.

In the actual practice of scientific and technological development in advanced countries at the end of the 20th century, the picture of the information society created by theorists is gradually taking shape. It is predicted that the entire world will be transformed into a single computerized and information-based community of people living in electronic apartments and cottages. Every home will be equipped with a wide range of electronic devices and gadgets. Human activity will be focused primarily on information processing, while material and energy production will be entrusted to machines.

Some factual materials have already been published, indicating that this is not a utopia, but an inevitable reality of the near future.

Example.

The landscape of the American workforce has transformed significantly since the late 20th century, evolving from a traditional office-centric model to a more flexible, decentralized system. While earlier data tracked a steady rise in self-employment—growing from 5.7 million in 1980 to 20.7 million by 1995—the modern era shows an even more dramatic expansion of independent work. Today, over 70 million Americans participate in some form of gig or freelance work, accounting for approximately 36% of the total U.S. workforce.

Remote work has similarly solidified its place as a cornerstone of the post-pandemic economy. As of early 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 35.5 million people in the U.S. teleworked or worked from home for pay, representing nearly 23% of the active workforce. This shift has fundamentally changed business formation as well, with self-employment and non-employer firms now comprising 81% of all small businesses in the United States.

With the transition to an information society, a new information-processing industry is emerging based on computer and telecommunications technologies.

Some scientists identify the characteristic features of the information society:

• The problem of the information crisis has been solved, i.e., the contradiction between the information avalanche and the information famine has been resolved;

• priority of information over other resources is ensured;

• The main form of development will be the information economy;

• The foundation of society will be based on automated generation, storage, processing, and use of knowledge with the help of the latest information technology and equipment;

• Information technology will acquire a global character, covering all spheres of human social activity;

• The information unity of the entire human civilization is being formed;

• With the help of information technology, free access for every person to the information resources of the entire civilization has been realized;

• Humanistic principles of social management and environmental impact have been implemented.

In addition to positive aspects, dangerous trends are also predicted:

• The increasing influence of mass media on society;

• Information technology can destroy the privacy of individuals and organizations;

• There is a problem of selecting high-quality and reliable information;

• Many people will have difficulty adapting to the information society environment. There is a danger of a gap between the “information elite” (people developing information technologies) and consumers.

Countries with developed information industries, including the United States, Japan, England, Germany, and Western European countries, are closest to the information society. In these countries, investment and support for innovation in the information industry, computer systems, and telecommunications have long been a focus of government policy.