This article was published in 2011 and updated in October 2026.
Computers have changed enormously in recent decades: they’re faster, cheaper, smaller and everywhere — from laptops and phones to cars and kitchen appliances. When we first wrote this article in 2011, we advised readers to get at least a gigabyte of RAM and a DVD rewriter. That shows how quickly computer technology moves. Here’s how the key components have advanced — then and now.
Processors: from single cores to AI chips
2011: Intel (Pentium, Core) and AMD (Athlon, Phenom) dominated, with two to four processor cores in most PCs.
Today: Intel and AMD still lead in PCs, but Apple’s own M-series chips and Arm-based Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm have shown that laptops can be fast, cool and run all day on battery. Processors now have many cores, and most new laptop chips include an NPU (neural processing unit) for AI features such as background blur, live captions and on-device assistants.
Memory: from 1 GB to 16 GB
2011: One gigabyte of RAM was a reasonable recommendation for a high-end system.
Today: 8 GB is the bare minimum, 16 GB is the comfortable standard for everyday use, and gamers, creators and AI users often choose 32 GB or more. Memory is faster too — DDR5 and LPDDR5X are now common.
Storage: from hard disks and DVDs to SSDs and the cloud
2011: Hard disks were large and cheap, and we suggested a DVD rewriter for extra storage.
Today: Solid-state drives (SSDs) have replaced hard disks in almost all new computers, making them start in seconds and open programs almost instantly. NVMe SSDs are many times faster than the hard disks of 2011. Optical drives have practically disappeared; we now store files on external drives, USB sticks and especially in the cloud.
Graphics: integrated is good enough for most
2011: Integrated graphics were fine for office work and older games; serious gaming needed a dedicated card.
Today: Integrated graphics in modern processors handle 4K video, multiple monitors and many games. Dedicated graphics cards from NVIDIA and AMD are still essential for high-end gaming, 3D work and AI development, with features like real-time ray tracing and AI upscaling.
Displays, connectivity and form factors
High-resolution, high-refresh-rate and OLED screens are common even in mid-range laptops. USB-C carries data, video and power through a single cable, Wi-Fi 6/7 and 5G provide fast wireless connections, and 2-in-1 laptops and tablets blur the line between device categories.
What hasn’t changed
More expensive components are usually faster — but the best computer is still the one that fits your needs. For everyday tasks, a mid-range laptop with 16 GB of RAM and an SSD is plenty; spend more only if you game, edit video or work with demanding software. If you’re new to computers, our computer lessons are a good place to start.
Dana
Mar 04. 2011
I think computer technology has evolute to mobile computer such as smart phone or tablet pc.
admin
Mar 04. 2011
Right !! 🙂
Mukundan Srinivasan
Mar 05. 2011
Advancements in computer field have been massive. it has been a huge period of revolution and it’s still continuing with the flow of tablets and pads.
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Mar 26. 2011
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Denver Real Estate
Nov 03. 2011
Computer technology has really developed to a very large extent. The brand ‘Intel’ has become a trusted name and computer shoppers buy Intel brand products without giving second thoughts.
admin
Nov 03. 2011
Yep ….
rajneesh
Dec 10. 2011
We are very close to view far people virtual sitting front of us. The way technology is advancing this may be the new thing coming.
omar
Aug 15. 2012
yes that’s true, pc today come with a lot of space that you don’t need but I believe that using cloud programs that allow you to storage things in the Internet is better than buy a DVD writer
Krista
Oct 24. 2012
Information is essential in business, and by utilizing advances in technology, executives can identify their own critical business and technical drivers needed for increased productivity.
cdiamond
Nov 29. 2012
who wrote this so i can site them in my research paper?
Tech Crates
Nov 30. 2012
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Jan 14. 2016
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Feb 03. 2016
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Aug 04. 2018
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