For half a century, computing advanced in a reassuring, predictable way. Transistors—devices used to switch electrical signals on a computer chip—became smaller. Consequently, computer chips became faster, and society quietly assimilated the gains almost without noticing.For half a century, computing advanced in a reassuring, predictable way. Transistors—devices used to switch electrical signals on a computer chip—became smaller. Consequently, computer chips became faster, and society quietly assimilated the gains almost without noticing.[#item_full_content]