Advantages & Disadvantages of a Nanocomputer
Comprised of nanometer-sized components, an entire nanocomputer may be microscopic in size. As of 2011, collaborating teams of engineers and scientists from Harvard University and the MITRE Corporation are developing programmable nanoprocessors. While it shows promise in scientific and technological applications, the nanocomputer poses some risks as well.
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Efficiency
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Expected to be more efficient than other computing devices, nanocomputers should produce less waste heat than traditional computing devices. Computing memory capacity and processing power may increase, while the cost of hardware will be significantly reduced, and devices may require less power with increased battery life. These technological advancements can lead to a cost savings for consumers, as well as governmental agencies. Using less energy also reduces technology's carbon footprint.
Privacy, Freedom and Crime
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Molecular-sized cameras, microphones and other devices may make personal information of all kinds more accessible, possibly contributing to privacy infringement of individual citizens by criminals and government entities. For example, governments concerned about the potential for nanocomputers to get into enemy hands might pass restrictive legislation to monitor citizens' Internet accounts. Nanocomputers also may give rise to issues involving software piracy, viruses, intellectual property violations and hacking.
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Scientific and Technology
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Nanocomputers potentially offer continued scientific and technological advancements that could greatly affect and enhance individual quality of life. For example, small-scale medical devices may discover diseases, alter cells, and fight physical and mental maladies more effectively. Disorders may be more easily targeted at the cellular level, to reduce surgery and drug side-effect risks.
Warfare
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Nanocomputers used in warfare could create military advantages, such as the ability to build bullets, armor and other devices from sturdier materials. Micro-computerization might produce smart weapons with more precise capabilities. On the other hand, areas of electronic surveillance, explosives, and monitoring and tracking government security methods could become compromised. The American Institute of Biological Science, or AIBS, warns that armies could use disassemblers to attack structures. If nanocomputers became self-replicating, it could be impossible to keep dangerous mechanisms from producing irreparable harm.
Ethical Considerations
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Ethical issues surround the use of nanocomputers, particularly with regard to policy development. The potential consequences of such technology require thorough examination, before it becomes too prolific to manage, but it may not be feasible to do so in concert with nanocomputer development. The advent of unlimited networking through inexpensive nanocomputers, cautions the AIBS, increases the probability of their use to cause damaging effects.
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