The story of computing over the last three decades is not merely a story of technological progress; it is also a story of changing human aspirations, consumption patterns and environmental consequences.Those who saw the early days of computers during the mid-1990s remember a very different world. Computers were considered valuable assets. They were installed in specially designed air-conditioned rooms, protected from dust and moisture and access was often restricted to trained personnel. Educational institutions, government offices and a handful of private establishments possessed these machines. Entering a computer laboratory often required removing shoes or wearing protective footwear to prevent dust from affecting the equipment.

As technology matured, computers gradually became common. Desktop publishing (DTP) centres emerged in every town, where computers operated continuously in shops with little regard for environmental conditions. Over time, technological advancement accelerated. Hardware became obsolete within a few years. Faster processors, larger memories, better graphic cards and improved operating systems continually replaced older generations. Software evolved at an equally rapid pace, demanding more powerful hardware, creating a cycle of continuous upgrading.The same transformation occurred in personal electronics. Basic mobile phones evolved into smartphones, followed by increasingly sophisticated devices with enhanced processing power, artificial intelligence capabilities and constant high speed internet connectivity. Laptops, tablets, smart watches and numerous digital devices became integral parts of daily life. Society gradually embraced a culture where upgrading devices every few years became normal rather than exceptional.

Contrast this with earlier technologies such as the traditional tungsten filament bulb. For decades, a single bulb often served a household with only occasional cleaning. There was little concept of planned uselessness or frequent replacement. Our grandparents experienced technologies that remained functional for years, reflecting a culture of maintenance rather than replacement.Today humanity has entered another technological revolution—the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing and hyperscale data centres. The emphasis is no longer merely on computation but on instantaneous and fast computation. Every improvement aims at reducing response times, increasing processing speed and delivering intelligent services within fractions of a second. Society........

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