Final answer:
A computer system can be described through three layers: the physical level involving electronic hardware, the design level focused on software and programming, and the commonsense level from the user perspective. The development of the integrated circuit and the transistor have been crucial in the evolution of computers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Different Layers of a Computer System
Computer systems can be understood at various levels of abstraction, including the physical level, design level, and commonsense level.
Physical Level
From an engineer's perspective, the physical level refers to the electronic changes happening within a computer's hardware. This encompasses everything from the integrated circuits on a microchip to the pixels on a flat screen display.
Design Level
At the design level, understood by programmers, the computer operates by executing a set of instructions or programs. This level deals with the software and how it directs the hardware to perform tasks.
Commonsense Level
The commonsense level is the user's point of view, where the focus is on the tasks being performed, such as word processing or solving equations, using the computer's software and hardware capabilities.
Regarding the advancement of computer technology, the invention of the integrated circuit has been pivotal. This development has allowed for the exponential growth of electronic capabilities, a trend known as Moore's Law.
Finally, the device that revolutionized the ability for digital computers to process large amounts of information efficiently was the transistor. This replaced bulkier vacuum tubes and allowed for computers to become much faster and more reliable over time. Modern computers use transistors and silicon chips as a basis for their functionality.