About this object

Technology, such as this laptop and other laptops included in the collection, spread quickly due to several different patterns of adoption. Computer systems were invented in the 1940’s and were large, costly, and complex. Only a small subset of the population could access a computer, including academics and military personnel. IT systems became so widespread due to favorable economic, social, and legal environments. Technology has become less expensive as it improved, making it more accessible. IT systems also developed unique characteristics as well as the ability to move software from an older generation of IT systems to a newer generation, making development easier. Countries also had to have the appropriate social and legal environments. Laws encouraging IT systems, especially patent and copyright laws that protected the invention of new technology were created, and educations systems changed to inform students on how to use technology sufficiently. In addition to that, governments promoted dispersion of technology. For example, the U.S. heavily invested in IT systems because it helped stimulate the economy and gave the country an edge in the Cold War. Read more in the article “How New Technologies Spread: Lessons from Computing Technologies”here

Why this object matters

My laptop is my pride and joy (laughing but serious). I tend to write most things out (assignments, notes, etcetera) but my laptop contains programs and documents and all my assignments and duties. Also, because I use it so frequently, I decorated it and made it truly mine. It also costed me a lot of money and was one of the most expensive purchases I’ve made independantly.