Abstract
Progress in electronics and optics offers faster computers, and rapid communication via the internet that is matched by ever larger and evolving storage systems. Instinctively one assumes that this must be totally beneficial. However advances in software and storage media are progressing in ways which are frequently incompatible with earlier systems and the economics and commercial pressures rarely guarantee total compatibility with earlier systems. Instead, the industries actively choose to force the users to purchase new systems and software. Thus we are moving forward with new technological variants that may have access to only the most recent systems and we will have lost earlier alternatives. The reality is that increased processing speed and storage capacity are matched by an equally rapid decline in the access and survival lifetime of older information.This pattern is not limited to modern electronic systems but is evident throughout history from writing on stone and clay tablets to papyrus and paper. It is equally evident in image systems from painting, through film, to magnetic tapes and digital cameras. In sound recording we have variously progressed from wax discs to vinyl, magnetic tape and CD formats. In each case the need for better definition and greater capacity has forced the earlier systems into oblivion. Indeed proposed interactive music systems could similarly relegate music CDs to specialist collections.The article will track some of the examples and discuss the consequences as well as noting that this information loss is further compounded by developments in language and changes in cultural views of different societies.
Highlights
The article will track some of the examples and discuss the consequences as well as noting that this information loss is further compounded by developments in language and changes in cultural views of different societies
It is disconcerting to realise that the expertise to generate and innovate technological progress resides in a very tiny fraction of the population
It is rare to even recognise the components of the engine and most home devices have electronics and electronic chips which are only amenable to experts with complex monitoring systems
Summary
The article will track some of the examples and discuss the consequences as well as noting that this information loss is further compounded by developments in language and changes in cultural views of different societies. 2.4 Information loss from changing language and material decay Writing has existed for several thousand years with examples from the Middle East of simple Cuneiform lines made in soft mud that was hardened, to various styles of picture coding such as Egyptian hieroglyphics or the forerunners of Chinese calligraphy. 3. Progress, obsolescence and information loss with electronics and communication In the 21st century we may be justifiably proud of the technological achievements, especially from the last 150 years.
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