Episode 56: Quantum in layman's terms

Understanding the basics of how computers work today

Traditional computers have worked in broadly the same way since they were first invented. At their core, they rely on electrical signals switching on and off. This is what creates ones and zeros, the basic language computers use to process information.

Over the last 60 years, this approach has become incredibly efficient. Hardware architectures have improved, data moves faster, and processing power has increased dramatically. But there is a limit to how far this model can go. No matter how clever the design, there is only so fast a system based on on and off signals can operate.

A useful way to picture this is Morse code. A torch flashing on and off can communicate a message, but even at top speed, there is a limit to how much information can be sent.

How quantum computing is different

Quantum computing works in a fundamentally different way. Instead of relying on electrical signals that represent one or zero, it uses subatomic particles. This allows it to represent many states at once, not just on or off.

A simple analogy is replacing a single flashing torch with an 8K television screen. Rather than one light blinking on and off, you have millions of pixels working together. The message becomes clearer, richer, and much faster to understand.

This is what makes quantum computing so powerful. It can process vast amounts of data and perform an enormous number of calculations at speeds that traditional computers simply cannot reach.

Why quantum computing matters

Most of today’s applications are relatively basic in the grand scheme of what computing could do. Quantum computing opens the door to far more advanced modelling and analysis.

For example, it could simulate the entire world as a digital model. That could allow complex scenario testing, such as understanding how building infrastructure in one country might impact another part of the globe. The potential applications are huge, which is why quantum computing generates so much interest.

The security implications of quantum computing

With this new capability comes risk. Much of today’s digital security relies on encryption that assumes certain calculations take too long to complete. Cryptocurrencies, passwords, and secure tokens all depend on this principle.

Quantum computers can perform these calculations extremely quickly. This means some existing security methods may no longer be effective. Recent demonstrations have already shown how quantum techniques could be used to break widely used encryption methods.

This does not mean systems are about to fail overnight, but it does mean organisations will need to think carefully about how security works in a quantum-enabled future.

How close is quantum computing to everyday use?

Quantum computing is still challenging. It requires enormous amounts of energy and operates at extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero. As a result, there are only a small number of quantum computers in the world today.

That said, progress is happening quickly. Hardware is becoming more stable and more practical. Within the next two to five years, quantum computing is likely to become far more accessible, enabling everything from advanced world modelling to entirely new types of problem solving.

For organisations trying to plan ahead, understanding what quantum computing is, and what it could change, is becoming increasingly important.

For organisations looking to understand how emerging technologies like quantum computing could impact their technology strategy and procurement decisions, get in touch.