A stone ax is technology just as much as a computer is. All people have basic needs and wants. Technology helps people satisfy these by creating products and services. How we satisfy them, on the other hand, has changed dramatically. The Families of Technology To understand how different technologies satisfy needs, it is helpful to categorize them into families.
Simple technologies can lead to more complex technologies.
Today's computers are related to earlier mechanical adding devices, like the abacus. Technological families also share common processes. Advances in the Agricultural Era include pottery, writing, plowing, and sailing. The discussion that follows looks at advances that have taken place during the Industrial and Information Eras. The end of World War II is a good place to begin an overview of technological development and change.