Understanding the Limits of Computer Systems

Computer systems often do not follow the idealized, parametric models suggested by economists. While these models may imply that systems can grow indefinitely, in reality, computer systems exhibit sigmoidal behavior, characterized by tapering off after reaching certain limits. This tendency to asymptote is consistent across various technologies such as bitrate, CPU cycles, and memory, indicating that growth in computer systems is constrained and cannot sustain exponential increases like biological systems. The only distinguishing characteristic of perpetual growth belongs to living organisms, fueled by energy from the sun, unlike the finite nature of technological growth.