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The History of Computing (Computers)
A Very Short Introduction | Computers
The History of Computing
ISBN: 9780198831754
Series: A Very Short Introduction
The History of Computing (Computers)
A Very Short Introduction The History of Computing (Computers) Media > Books > Non-Fiction > Education Books Expect Delays of Up to 4 Weeks
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ISBN
9780198831754 (10-digit ISBN: 0198831757)
- Description
- Key Features
- Series Description
- Table of Contents
- Describes central events in the history of computing
- Offers new insights into how technologies converged to create the 'information age'
- Examines received perceptions about defining features of the modern computer
- Presents a view on the future of history of computing
This lively Very Short Introduction reviews the central events, machines, and people that feature in established accounts of the history of computing, critically examining received perceptions and providing a fresh look at the nature and development of the modern electronic computer.
The book begins by discussing a widely accepted linear narrative of the history of computing, centred around innovatory highlights that start with the use of knotted cords to aid calculation, all the way to the supercomputers of the present day. It discusses the problems and simplifications present in such a narrative, and shows that when we instead think of the development of computers to be based upon responses to the needs of users, we can identify four distinct historical threads: calculation, automatic computing, information management, and communication. These threads are examined individually, tracing their paths and the convergences of related technologies into what has come to be called 'the information age'.
Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible.
Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library.
Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
Please note: As this series is not ELT material, these titles are not subject to discount.
Acknowledgements
List of Illustrations
1:History and computing
2:Calculation
3:Automatic computation
4:Electronic computing
5:The computer boom
6:Revolution
7:The future of history
Further reading
This lively Very Short Introduction reviews the central events, machines, and people that feature in established accounts of the history of computing, critically examining received perceptions and providing a fresh look at the nature and development of the modern electronic computer.
The book begins by discussing a widely accepted linear narrative of the history of computing, centred around innovatory highlights that start with the use of knotted cords to aid calculation, all the way to the supercomputers of the present day. It discusses the problems and simplifications present in such a narrative, and shows that when we instead think of the development of computers to be based upon responses to the needs of users, we can identify four distinct historical threads: calculation, automatic computing, information management, and communication. These threads are examined individually, tracing their paths and the convergences of related technologies into what has come to be called 'the information age'.
Key Features
- Describes central events in the history of computing
- Offers new insights into how technologies converged to create the 'information age'
- Examines received perceptions about defining features of the modern computer
- Presents a view on the future of history of computing
Series Description
Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible.
Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library.
Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
Please note: As this series is not ELT material, these titles are not subject to discount.
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