Wikimedia Commons IBM PC 5150 with keyboard and green monochrome monitor (5151), running MS-DOS 5.0 image:41212:1::0

This news gently passed us by, but it is no less significant. The number of personal computers in use just touched the 1 Billion mark. And though that's an important milestone, it's a mere footstep in the continuing surge of computer use.

Consider this piece of information from the research firm of Gartner - It has taken more than two decades for PC's to breast the 1 Billion tape, but it will take just 6 more years to double this number. By early 2014, the number of computers in use around the world will double.

And those are just figures for PC's. Even today, a common mobile is able to pack in the punch of a high end PC. It is a phenomenon no less. We now have nearly one computer for every six people on Earth. And five of them are probably going hungry somewhere in Africa or Asia.

George Shiffler, Research Director at Gartner says,

"Rapid penetration in emerging markets is being driven by the explosive expansion of broadband and wireless connectivity, the continuing fall in average PC selling prices and the general realization that PCs are an indispensable tool for advancement."

He himself expects more than 180 million computers to be replaced this year through the various channels including second hand sales.

But their is a downside to the whole progressive graph. Increasing PC sales are not kind to the environment. Old computers are rapidly being replaced by newer ones and the disused models are ending up as landfills.

Gartner analyst Mike Escherich estimates that about 35 million computers will end up in the dumping grounds.

While in use a standard desktop computer contributes about half a ton of carbon dioxide to global warming. While disused, it becomes a hazardous waste. We now even have a word for it - eWaste.

e-Waste is a safety issue. Discarded electronics contain hazardous materials. If disposed improperly, they pose a potential threat to human health and the environment. It may contaminate groundwater and e-Waste accounts for 40 percent of the lead and 75 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills. The only good news is that the trace amounts of silver and gold can be recycled from it.

Will there be something as a 'zero landfill' one day?

It's now just about managing the environment because it is beyond doubt that the humble PC has had as far-reaching an impact (perhaps more) as perhaps the wheel.