Final answer:
The rapid development of technology in microcomputing, software, and telecommunications led to the information age—a time when the economy and daily life are fundamentally influenced by information technology (option C), enabled by the rapid advancement of computing power as described by Moore's Law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon that the rapid development of microcomputer processing power, application software packages, and telecommunications networks gave birth to is most accurately described as the information age. The information age is characterized by a shift from traditional industry to an economy based on information technology. Thanks in part to advancements described by Moore's Law, named after Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, the capabilities of electronic devices have exponentially increased approximately every two years. This has led to a rapid evolution of computing technology, enabling the rise of digital computers capable of processing large amounts of data efficiently, paving the way for our modern digital, information-based economy.
This shift has impacted daily life significantly. Fewer people are required in traditional manufacturing roles as computerized automation, such as robots, have taken on these tasks. The growth of the Internet has led to the creation of industries that operate primarily online, and transformed how goods are produced and distributed—such as the change from physical CDs and DVDs to digital streaming and downloads.
The digital computer revolution, spurred by inventions like the transistor and later developments like nanotechnology and miniaturization, has revolutionized multiple aspects of society. These technological achievements have led to a world where digital communication is ubiquitous and information has become a critical commodity, shaping the world we live in today.