Prediction is an inexact science. Few commentators foresaw the rise in popularity of the PC, the growth of internet use or the death of the mainframe.

With crystal ball gazing such a dangerous business, it might make sense to announce a set of predictions in a slightly different way – analysing what should happen, what might happen in a worst-case scenario, and what will probably happen for computers in the future.

What should happen

The PC market has, to some degree, failed to adapt the personal computer to the individual lifestyle. My machine, for example, sits in a study, connected to the outside world through an internet provider, but otherwise disconnected from my home.

Any connections have to be physically made and unmade through fiddly plugs and sockets, because there are never enough to create permanent links.

Suppliers should, therefore, aim to ensure that every new piece of equipment includes a self-connecting and self-driving wireless connection that immediately downloads an instruction manual and start-up guide.

Connectivity presents opportunities for interaction across the home. And while a user might not necessarily want to connect their doorbell to a computer, networking provides useful possibilities – especially for the hard of hearing.

On a larger scale, home users should make the most of idle desktop PCs connected to the internet. Massive computing power based upon true parallel processing has always been prohibitively expensive.

But the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (Seti) initiative illustrates how domestic PCs can be used to process radio telescope observations using spare computing capacity. Similar projects are possible if users continue to link their PCs in parallel.

What might happen in a worst-case scenario

Many people use home computing to help keep in touch with friends. Technology – such as email and instant messaging – can be a great method for contacting disparate individuals.

But there are ways in which such interactivity can actually become an excuse for losing personal contact. Users can become reliant on electronic forms of communication, failing to meet individuals face-to-face.

My fear is that such disassociation could continue, leading home computing users to lose their interaction skills as they become increasingly insular.

It is also important to recognise that the electronic process is significantly different – and more formalised – than face-to-face conversation.

Individuals sometimes misunderstand each other in cyberspace, particularly when they are unable to convey the subtleties of meaning.

What will probably happen

There are significant upsides of technology, however. Home networking will become a reality for all, with wireless access points spread around the home.

Users – who will be increasingly dependent on computers in general and the internet in particular – will use a range of connected portable devices.

Individuals can already use the internet to carry out important duties, such as paying taxes, signing on to the electoral register, accessing healthcare and using local government services.

Such interaction will grow and citizens’ dependency on the internet will continue to increase, bringing new opportunities and potential problems.

The challenge, then, for IT professionals is to provide relevant processes.

They need to design technology so that systems operate to the benefit of society – and are as inclusive and as accessible as possible.

Richard Platts MBCS is a regular writer for the BCS