Computers: The Life Story of a Technology [Paperback]

Eric G. Swedin (Author), David L. Ferro (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801887747 | ISBN-13: 978-0801887741 | Publication Date: October 24, 2007 | Edition: 1

A great technological and scientific innovation of the last half of the twentieth century, the computer has revolutionized how we organize information, how we communicate with each other, and even the way we think about the human mind. Computers have eased the drudgery of such tasks as calculating sums and clerical work, making them both more bearable and more efficient, whatever the occasional frustration they carry with them. The computer has become a standard fixture in our culture, a necessity for many aspects of business, recreation, and everyday life. In this book, Eric G. Swedin and David L. Ferro offer an accessible short history of this dynamic technology, covering its central themes from ancient times to the present day.

Editorial Reviews

Review

?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 text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

Makes the life history of the computer accessible to students and the lay reader.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (October 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801887747
• ISBN-13: 978-0801887741
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #335,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a brief, introductory history, November 4, 2006

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Computers: The Life Story of a Technology (Greenwood Technographies) (Hardcover)

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.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a history that reads like a good thriller, May 11, 2005

By 

a reader (Amherst, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Computers: The Life Story of a Technology (Greenwood Technographies) (Hardcover)

Swedin and Ferro have their work cut out for them, as the story of computer technology, although relatively brief, is complex, involving not merely technology, but also politics, personalities and the clash of cultures from various engineering disciplines. They succeed wonderfully at sorting out this tangle and laying a clean--and, one must note--astonishingly dramatic narrative. From Babbage's "Engine," to ENIAC to 'total information awarenesss,' it's a fascinating story that you'll read and *re*read, and it's a book you'll keep in a prominent place on the shelf.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Computers: The Life Story of a Technology, November 25, 2008

By 

Addie Mclain "Addie McLain" (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Computers: The Life Story of a Technology (Paperback)

Recently I finished a story on pop culture and technology. I discussed how the transitor became lineage for the present day computer chip. I am fascinated with technology and history which made me love reading this book. The book presents a timeline for computer technology and yes, I admit, I am a computer geek who reminisce in technology of the past. I sit back remembering when I won my very first transitor radio and I smile thinking about my old 286 computer chip. The book was an interesting read because it took me on a trip to my past. I still marval at how technology changes and how much I use it today.