Human Memory V. Computer Memory
The mental ability of humans is a characteristic unparalleled in the natural world. We are alienated from other organisms by our complex and multifaceted thought process. In fact, humans are so unique in the animal kingdom that our greatest intellectual rival may be a nonliving object of our own creation. Since the conception of the computer, an atmosphere of competition has surrounded the machine. Having had no clear opposition to the excellence of human design for thousands of years, the notion of a machine carrying out similar functions can be quite frightening. Countless images of destructive supercomputers have been conjured up in books and movies. The popularity of such ideas may have something to do with a real human fear and uncertainty. Are we, as humans, still smarter than our creation? Are we still special? The primary purpose of computers has always been memory. Thus, their design tends to mimic the human brain. Facts and data are stored in chips that perform the same tasks as cells. These chips or circuits store information and allow the computer to carry out vital operations. The wires in a computer act like the neurons in a brain. They are the pathways for electrical impulses and are therefore responsible f
Humans have a less precise method of storage. In addition to survival and development of distinguishing characteristics, humans use their memory for amusement. During this process, both man and machine categorize their new data. With stored information a person can better understand and interpret situations. The ability to take what we already know and shape it into novel, creative ideas is what truly sets us apart from anything else on the planet. Computers do the same thing, but organize data based on attributes and locations designated by the human operator. Humor is largely based on how we interpret stored information or concepts, and creativity is the combining of prior knowledge and data in new ways. Facts about related subjects and events are grouped together making it easier to retrieve the information at a later time. Information and memories are stored for a purpose; there is always a reason for it. The functioning of the human brain allows people to become individuals. For each circuit or wire in a computer, there are millions of cells or neurons in a brain. Once something is converted to long-term storage, it may remain there for the duration of the person's life. This allows them to establish beliefs, opinions, and personalities. Every computer, on the other hand, has a known limit to its memory.
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