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 | | A History of Computing Technology (Prentice-Hall Series in Computational Mathematics) by Michael R. Williams ISBN-10: 9780133899177 ISBN-10: 0-13-389917-9 ISBN-13: 9780133899177 ISBN-13: 978-0-13-389917-7 Hardcover 1985-11 Prentice Hall Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
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. | ||
Reviews | ||
skimpy treatment of modern computing 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. | ||
Very good up to IBM360, Great Bibliograpy, Highly Readable 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. | ||