Makes the life history of the computer accessible to students and the lay reader.
Series Foreword Preface Before Computers The First Electronic Computers The Second Generation: From Vacuum Tubes to Transistors The Third Generation: From Integrated Circuits to Microprocessors Personal Computers: Bringing the Computer into the Home Connections: Networking Computers Together Computers Everywhere Chronology Glossary Bibliography
ERIC G. SWEDIN is an Assistant Professor in Information Systems and Technologies at Weber State University. He is also a historian and published novelist. DAVID L. FERRO is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Weber State University. He specializes in internet programming, human-computer usability, and computing culture and history.
?For high-school students and general readers, Swedin and Ferro
recount the origin and development of electronic computers, with an
initial chapter on how people have sought and found mechanical aids
to computation through the ages. World War II provided the impetus
for the development of the electronic digital computer, they say,
and the Cold War security and defense needs of the US drove the
development of computing technology.?-SciTech Book News
?High school students in particular will find these quick
references provide easy consultation on the 'life story' of each
technology's evolution, covering different generations of computers
and trains, surveying their importance in American lives, and
following key changes and events. All are excellent references,
highly recommended. (reviewed in conjuction with The Railroad,
Greenwood, 2005)?-MBR Bookwatch
?Swedin and Ferro provide a compelling history of computer
technology. Beginning with mathematical and technical innovations
ranging from the abacus to the Internet and beyond, they take the
reader on a fascinating journey through the inventions that lead to
the IBM and Cray supercomputers, as well as the desktop personal
computer and PDAs. A time line from 35,000 BCE to 2003 CE offers
the reader a broad overview of mathematics and inventions such as
the abacus, printing press, typewriter, and television, which were
precursors to the computer. This book will be most useful for
readers desiring to learn about computer history and the people who
developed the inventions leading to the current level of computer
technology. A fascinating, enjoyable book. Highly recommended. All
levels.?-Choice
?This is a useful guide to a complex story....Given the growing
research on the topic, this makes a useful and concise
introduction.?-CBQ Communication Booknotes Quarterly
"This is a useful guide to a complex story....Given the growing
research on the topic, this makes a useful and concise
introduction."-CBQ Communication Booknotes Quarterly
"For high-school students and general readers, Swedin and Ferro
recount the origin and development of electronic computers, with an
initial chapter on how people have sought and found mechanical aids
to computation through the ages. World War II provided the impetus
for the development of the electronic digital computer, they say,
and the Cold War security and defense needs of the US drove the
development of computing technology."-SciTech Book News
"High school students in particular will find these quick
references provide easy consultation on the 'life story' of each
technology's evolution, covering different generations of computers
and trains, surveying their importance in American lives, and
following key changes and events. All are excellent references,
highly recommended. (reviewed in conjuction with The Railroad,
Greenwood, 2005)"-MBR Bookwatch
"Swedin and Ferro provide a compelling history of computer
technology. Beginning with mathematical and technical innovations
ranging from the abacus to the Internet and beyond, they take the
reader on a fascinating journey through the inventions that lead to
the IBM and Cray supercomputers, as well as the desktop personal
computer and PDAs. A time line from 35,000 BCE to 2003 CE offers
the reader a broad overview of mathematics and inventions such as
the abacus, printing press, typewriter, and television, which were
precursors to the computer. This book will be most useful for
readers desiring to learn about computer history and the people who
developed the inventions leading to the current level of computer
technology. A fascinating, enjoyable book. Highly recommended. All
levels."-Choice
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