From SRP Author Cameron Cooper:
This week, my faithful desktop computer decided it had had enough. After years of service, it spectacularly fried itself, leaving me scrambling to replace my primary workstation. Various revival attempts were futile, so I pivoted to what I’ve done for over a decade now: building a custom desktop computer tailored to my needs as a writer and tech enthusiast.
Piecing Together a New Machine
I didn’t buy a pre-packaged tower. Instead, I selected the best components for my workload—powerful enough to handle everything from writing and blogging to running software, research tools, and more. My new computer is being assembled in a tech shop and should be ready next week. In the meantime, I’ve jury-rigged a solution: my laptop propped on three packs of printer paper so I can use a proper keyboard and mouse. It’s not ideal, but it gets the job done.
The Future of Computing: Quantum Machines
In the middle of my computer woes, I had an interesting discussion with my son, Eliot Bishop (also a science fiction writer), about what the future of computers might look like. This led us to research quantum computers, which are shaping up to be the next revolution in personal computing.
The computer I’m building now is designed to last me another 8–10 years. But by the time I need to replace it, it’s highly likely that quantum computers will have moved from the cutting edge of research labs to mainstream desks and homes.
What Are Quantum Computers?
Quantum computers operate on principles entirely different from the traditional computers we use today. Instead of relying on binary bits (ones and zeros), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously thanks to quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. This allows them to process vast amounts of data and solve certain types of problems exponentially faster than classical computers.
What Will Quantum Computers Bring to Our Desks?
While we’re still years away from quantum computers being affordable and practical for everyday users, their potential advantages are clear:
- Incredible Processing Power
Quantum computers are capable of solving problems in seconds that would take classical computers billions of years. This isn’t just a speed upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift. Tasks like cryptographic calculations, molecular modeling, and advanced AI will become vastly more efficient. - Revolutionized Artificial Intelligence
Quantum computing could supercharge AI, making it faster and more effective at learning, reasoning, and solving complex problems. This would impact everything from writing assistants (imagine ChatGPT turbocharged) to world-shaping technologies like self-driving cars. - Breakthroughs in Science and Medicine
From simulating molecular interactions for drug development to unlocking secrets of the universe, quantum computers will transform how we approach scientific discovery. - Improved Optimization
Quantum computers excel at solving optimization problems—think supply chain logistics, financial modeling, and even scheduling. For everyday users, this might mean smarter systems for everything from energy use to personal task management. - Next-Gen Encryption and Security
Interestingly, while quantum computers will likely crack traditional encryption methods, they’ll also lead to quantum-based encryption, creating systems that are virtually unhackable by conventional means.
The Path to a Quantum Revolution
The recent announcement of Google’s Willow chip—a 105-qubit quantum processor—demonstrates that the era of practical quantum computing is drawing closer. While quantum computers are not yet ready for home use, their development is accelerating. By the time I’m in the market for a new computer, I may find myself choosing between a classic system and a sleek quantum machine.
For now, I’ll stick with my custom-built desktop. But the idea that this might be my last classical computer is thrilling. The next decade promises exciting advancements, and as a science fiction writer, I can’t wait to see how quantum computers will reshape our technology, our stories, and our world.
What about you? Would you embrace a quantum computer when the time comes, or will you hold out for the tried-and-true reliability of classical systems?
Cameron Cooper
SRP Author
Check Cam’s books here on Stories Rule Press.
