“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“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
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Customer Reviews & Comments
Basically a book written for someone knowing little about computers. It teaches both the history of computing and also the key ideas present in today's computers. So the authors describe the fumbling early starts. Exemplified by Babbage and Lovelace and the Difference Engine. Over a century ahead of their time, as the hardware was inadequate.
But in World War 2 came the von Neumann architecture, still the basis of most current computers. And then the solid state transistor at Bell Labs in 1948. Progress seemed so slow, in retrospect. But then the narrative speeds up, as Moore's Law took effect in the late 60s.
Thus, the book shows the rise of the personal computer in the 80s, and then the Web in the 90s. Searing changes that helped shape today's world.
Swedin's coverage has no surprises to a reader already in this field. But he has done his homework. It's accurate and covers all the main events and persons.
