A History of Computing Technology, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

by Michael R. Williams (Author) "One of the first great intellectual feats of a young child is learning how to talk; closely following on this is learning how to count..." (more)
Key Phrases: table abacus, multiplying punch, calculating rods, Moore School, New York, Difference Engine (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This second edition of the popular reference and textbook outlines the historical developments in computing technology. The book describes historical aspects of calculation and concentrates on the physical devices used to aid people in their attempts at automating the arithmetic process.

A History of Computing Technology highlights the major advances in arithmetic from the beginning of counting, through the three most important developments in the subject: the invention of the zero, logarithms, and the electronic computer. It provides you with an understanding of how these ideas developed and why the latest tools are in their current forms. In addition, it tells many of the interesting stories about both the machines and the scientists who produced them. It focuses on the extraordinary accomplishments of those computer pioneers whose work will stand as proof of their genius and hard work.

Product Details

• Paperback: 440 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-IEEE Computer Society Pr; 2 edition (March 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0818677392
• ISBN-13: 978-0818677397
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #62,233 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good up to IBM360, Great Bibliograpy, Highly Readable, February 2, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

This book focuses on early machines up to the development of the IBM 360. It covers both the technology and the personalities involved. It contains startling facts such as the Z4 (a mechanical computer) could reorder instructions to improve speed (circa 1948). It outline some of the most brilliant work in computer science. I wish it had more technical detail, however it does have an extensive bibliography. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in a deep understanding of computers. and where they are going.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars skimpy treatment of modern computing, April 4, 2005

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This history gives a decent coverage of computing, up to somewhere in the 1960s. Look elsewhere if you want anything about workstations or personal computers. Instead, the book devotes space to explaining not just 20th century computers, but calculators and other mechanical devices, from earlier eras.

An astrolabe is explained! Which may be a little surprising. But it can be argued that that is indeed a computing device. Totally analog of course. Then, we get a view of the development of mechanical caculators in the 19th century. Plus Babbage's computing engine.

The book's discussion of the modern computer - from the Manhattan Project's MANIAC onwards - could perhaps be read in other more comprehensive treatments.