Since computers were first introduced to the public in the early 1980's, technology (change) __________ a great deal. The first computers (be) __________ simple machines designed for basic tasks. They (have, not) __________ much memory and they (be, not) __________ very powerful. Early computers were often quite expensive and customers often (pay) __________ thousands of dollars for machines which actually (do) __________ very little. Most computers (be) __________ separate, individual machines used mostly as expensive typewriters or for playing games.

Times (change) __________  . Computers (become) __________ powerful machines with very practical applications. Programmers (create) __________ a large selection of useful programs which do everything from teaching foreign languages to bookkeeping. We are still playing video games, but today's games (become) __________ faster, more exciting interactive adventures. Many computer users (get, also) __________ on the Internet and (begin) __________ communicating with other computer users around the world. We (start) __________ to create international communities online. In short, the simple, individual machines of the past (evolve) __________ into an international World Wide Web of knowledge.