We live in “The Age of Information.” Many historians claim the modern Age of Information began in mid 20th century. In researching how and when this age began, we encountered several important precursors of the Age of Information such as the modern computer. We also live in “The Computer Age.”
As we researched this topic and focused on what our personal computers accomplish, we were struck by the difference between data and information. Our PCs deal with huge amounts of data. Information is developed by the people who process these data.
An important precursor of The Computer Age is the transistor. This device enabled our citizens to access huge quantities of data. In 1947 scientists at Bell Labs in New Jersey developed and demonstrated the world’s first transistor. This invention fundamentally changed the electronic landscape. Transistors are amplifying and switching devices. Modern computers could not function without transistors. (We recall a Christmas gift presented by friends back in the late 1950s—a small transistor radio.)
Primitive computers existed before the transistor. However, these early computers operated with vacuum tubes, consumed enormous voltage, and were huge. ENIAC, an enormous computer developed in 1946 weighed 3000 tons. Today’s computers rely on transistors—solid state devices paving the way for integrated circuits, also known as microchips made of silicon. These chips may be as tiny as a few square millimeters. Without our current microchip technology our “Age of Information” and the “Computer Age” may still be in its primitive stages.
Our lives rely on information. Sometimes we suffer from data and information overload. Information always begins with and is derived from data. The distinction between information and data is important. “Data are simple text and numbers while information is processed and interpreted data…..Information is considered more valuable than data, as a proper analysis is conducted to convert data into information.” (Quote from keydifferences website)
Our universe may be described in terms of matter, energy, force, and space. These four entities comprise the “stuff” of our universe. Physical science defines our universe in terms of these four entities. The entities may be described quantitatively. Computers generally focus on data. Theoretical physicist/astrobiologist Paul Davies states, “Information is more than just a description of our universe and the stuff in it: it is the most basic currency of existence.” Davies terms information the “ontological basement” of reality. Even though Davies claims to be an atheist, he looks out at the universe and claims “…the impression of design is overwhelming.”
Our modern computers supply plentiful data about our planet, our Solar System, and our universe. Computers reveal almost unlimited data about the matter, energy, forces, and space inherent in our vast universe. Modern scientists have studied these data and have derived exceedingly relevant information: Our universe is “fine tuned” to support life, especially human life. If our universe is “fine tuned,” there must be a Fine Tuner—another term for the Creator of All Things whose creation work is described in the first verse of Genesis (Genesis 1:1). God’s fine tuned creation work is described in Psalm 8:3-4 and Psalm 19:1-2:
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4 ESV)
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:1-2 ESV)
