## **Introduction**
Over the last few decades, the landscape of computing has undergone a dramatic
transformation. The year 2000 marked a pivotal moment in the development of personal
computers, with technology that, at the time, seemed advanced yet is now viewed as
rudimentary. Fast forward to 2024, and the advancements in computing power, connectivity, and
usability have been staggering. This paper explores the evolution of computers from the year
2000 to 2024, highlighting the key differences in hardware, software, and the impact of these
technologies on society. By examining these changes, we gain insights into the trajectory of
technological progress and what it means for the future.
### **1. Computers in the Year 2000**
#### **1.1 Hardware Components**
At the dawn of the 21st century, personal computers were rapidly becoming a common
household item, but the technology that powered them was far less sophisticated than what we
see today. In 2000, the average computer was equipped with a processor like the Intel Pentium
III, which operated at speeds ranging from 450 MHz to 1.13 GHz. This was considered
cutting-edge at the time, enabling users to perform tasks like word processing, browsing the
web, and even playing early 3D games.
Memory and storage capabilities in 2000 were also modest by today’s standards. Typical
computers came with 64MB to 128MB of RAM, which was sufficient for the operating systems
and applications of the time. Hard drives typically offered storage capacities between 10GB and
20GB, a far cry from the terabyte-sized drives common today. External storage relied heavily on
floppy disks and CD-ROMs, which offered limited capacity and slow data transfer speeds.
Display technology in 2000 was dominated by CRT monitors, which were bulky and
power-hungry. Screen resolutions were generally low, with most monitors offering 800x600 or
1024x768 pixels. Input devices were basic, with the keyboard and mouse being the primary
means of interacting with the computer. Optical mice were just beginning to replace the older
mechanical mice, which used a ball to detect movement.
#### **1.2 Software and Operating Systems**
In terms of software, the year 2000 was an era of transition. Microsoft’s Windows 98 and
Windows 2000 were among the most widely used operating systems, providing a user-friendly
interface and support for a wide range of applications. Apple users, on the other hand, were
using Mac OS 9, which was the last version of the classic Mac OS before the transition to Mac
OS X.
Software applications available in 2000 were primarily focused on productivity and basic
multimedia. Microsoft Office was already a dominant force in workplaces and homes, with Word,
Excel, and PowerPoint being the most commonly used applications. For graphic design and
photo editing, early versions of Adobe Photoshop were in use, though they lacked many of the
advanced features and user-friendly interfaces found in later versions.
Internet browsers in 2000 were limited in functionality compared to today’s standards. Netscape
Navigator and Internet Explorer were the most popular choices, offering basic browsing
capabilities with limited support for the multimedia-rich content that would become common in
later years. The internet itself was still in its formative stages, with most websites being simple,
text-based pages with minimal interactivity.
#### **1.3 Internet and Connectivity**
Connectivity in 2000 was a major limitation for computers. Dial-up internet was the norm, with
speeds typically ranging from 28.8 to 56 kbps. This made tasks like downloading large files or
streaming video nearly impossible. Websites were designed with these limitations in mind, often
featuring low-resolution images and minimal use of multimedia content.
Email was a primary mode of communication, with services like AOL, Hotmail, and Yahoo! Mail
dominating the landscape. Instant messaging was also gaining popularity, with platforms like
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and ICQ providing real-time communication. E-commerce was in
its infancy, with companies like Amazon and eBay beginning to establish themselves as major
players in the online marketplace.
#### **1.4 Use Cases and Impact**
In 2000, computers were primarily used for work-related tasks, such as word processing, data
management, and internet research. In homes, they were increasingly used for entertainment,
including playing games, listening to music, and browsing the web. However, the limitations in
processing power, storage, and connectivity meant that many of the tasks we take for granted
today were either impossible or extremely time-consuming.
Education and research were significantly impacted by the availability of computers in 2000.
Schools and universities were beginning to incorporate computers into the classroom, though
access was often limited. The internet opened up new possibilities for research, allowing
students and professionals to access information from around the world. However, the lack of
reliable high-speed internet limited the effectiveness of these early digital learning environments.
### **2. Computers in the Year 2024**
#### **2.1 Hardware Components**
By 2024, the hardware that powers computers has undergone a revolution. Modern processors,
such as Intel’s Core i9 and Apple’s M-series chips, operate at speeds and efficiency levels that
would have been unimaginable in 2000. These processors feature multiple cores, each capable
of handling multiple threads, allowing for seamless multitasking and the execution of complex
tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and machine learning.
Memory and storage have also seen exponential growth. DDR5 RAM is now the standard, with
many systems equipped with 16GB or more, ensuring smooth performance even with
demanding applications. Storage has shifted from mechanical hard drives to solid-state drives
(SSDs) and NVMe drives
