A while ago there was some public discussion about “fly-by-wire” systems in commercial aircraft: computers that respond to the actions of the pilot, the navigation system, changing loads of fuel, weather conditions and so on, to “fly themselves” by actuating (and sensing) the positions of ailerons and rudders in a fraction-of-a-second response to existing conditions. (You are asked not to use mobile phones and other electronic devices to avoid interference with the complex systems that control the aircraft, particularly at crucial times like landing and take-off.)

If you thought you could escape the ubiquitous computer by going home and closing the door behind you, you’ve very likely got one in your washing machine, one in your dishwasher, one in the oven, possibly one in your fridge and freezer (if they are new enough), maybe the toaster and the microwave, and certainly one each in your security lighting, burglar alarm and central heating system. If you relax in front of the television, unless it’s a very old set, it will have a computer (and as digital television makes further inroads, it will get even more powerful). There’s one in your VCR and one in the DVD, one in any stereo system sold in the last 15 or so years.