Computer hardware and software are useless without each other. Every advance in computer hardware makes possible better computer software. Every new generation of software, to perform at its best, requires the latest generation of hardware. Thus hardware and software conspire in an endless cycle of improvements. Processor chips become faster.
Hard disks hold more and more data.
A given generation of these components usually has a life span under two years. That's how fast innovations come from the research scientists, design engineers, and manufacturing engineers in this industry. It's no secret that most of the action in computer hardware is in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. But bear in mind that big players are also located elsewhere. Compaq is based in Houston, and Dell is just outside of Austin.