The Story of the Computer A Technical and Business History Stephen J Marshall 9781546849070 Books
Download As PDF : The Story of the Computer A Technical and Business History Stephen J Marshall 9781546849070 Books
Electronic computers are arguably the greatest invention of the 20th century. They are the enablers for many of the technologies that the developed world now relies upon and their impact on society cannot be overestimated. The story of their creation is a fascinating one which encompasses many of the great advances in engineering, mathematics and the physical sciences that have taken place over the past 400 years. The Story of the Computer is the first comprehensive treatment of the subject written from both a technical and a business perspective. It sets out to chart the complex evolutionary process that has resulted in the creation of today’s computers, picking out those innovations and discoveries which contributed most to the pool of knowledge through their influence on later advances and taking into consideration the business drivers as well as the specific technical breakthroughs. To put developments into context and provide a more rounded picture, it also covers the advances in science and technology, or ‘building blocks’, which have facilitated them. The book is divided into four parts, beginning with humanity’s earliest efforts to automate the process of calculation, first through mechanical means, then electromechanical and finally electronic. Part two describes the transformation from sequence-controlled calculators to stored-program computers and the birth of the computer industry. In part three we see the industry maturing and new market segments beginning to emerge for faster or smaller computers, facilitated by the introduction of solid-state components. The final part brings the story up to date with the development of mass-produced personal computers, computer graphics and the World Wide Web. Written in a highly accessible style with illustrations throughout, The Story of the Computer should provide a rewarding read for both the specialist and the general reader.
The Story of the Computer A Technical and Business History Stephen J Marshall 9781546849070 Books
It is very nice book for everybody interested in history of computers. It covers both technical and business sides of computer industry. However, it is true that business story is given in deeper details than technical one. On the other hand, business issues regarding computing are also very interesting. I would say that book is nice thanks to the fact that it describes beging of many today famous and large computer companies (like IBM, Apple, Microsoft and Intel) in highly realistic and pure light. Founders of vast majority of the companies had to face many problems, especially with funding of their business. It was not pink American dream at all. I would say that in many cases the companies have survived by accident.Regarding the technical part of computing, the book is going from the earliest ages of computing in the 16th century, describing mechanical calculators, like Pascilne or Leibnitz's steeper reckoner and of course Babbage's differential engine. Then the first electro-mechanical and electrical computers are presented, like a Conrad Zusse engines or Vanevar Bush's differential analysers. Description of the "true age" of electronic computers starts with Colusus and ENIAC, then transistorised computers are introduced. Next part of the book is dedicated to development of large mainframe computers as well as minicomputers in 60's and 70's. In the last part of the book one chapter contains description of graphical interfaces development (interestingly the history of GUI begins in 50's). Last chapters are dedicated to modern age of computing, like founding of Apple, introducing of Windows etc. I highly appreciate that author of the book decribed very important role of firm Xerox in the computer history. As you can find in the book, Xerox was pionner of the GUI and many other very modern concepts like a e-learnig or even tablets.
I would recomend reading of the book for everyone who is interested in computers and general history of engineering.
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Tags : The Story of the Computer: A Technical and Business History [Stephen J Marshall] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Electronic computers are arguably the greatest invention of the 20th century. They are the enablers for many of the technologies that the developed world now relies upon and their impact on society cannot be overestimated. The story of their creation is a fascinating one which encompasses many of the great advances in engineering,Stephen J Marshall,The Story of the Computer: A Technical and Business History,CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,1546849076,History,COMPUTERS History,Computer Books: General,Computers
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The Story of the Computer A Technical and Business History Stephen J Marshall 9781546849070 Books Reviews
This was always going to be a big topic for any author to cover, given the speed and size of electronic and IT development in the last 80 or so years. However, as a concise and well researched history, The author gets it right throughout.
The book comprehensively covers all of the big milestones in computational machine development, the initial driver being number manipulation without constant human input. There's fascinating detail on the way early machines were developed by pioneers and academic institutions, then an exploration of the world of business and government progress with their large budgets.
There are great insights into the solid state and semi-conductor revolution, parallel computing, the big move into business and the route to today's desktop workstations. There are well placed, relevant illustrations throughout.
If you like a technical book but not overwhelmingly so, I'd recommend this one. If you were an early adopter of the MAC/IPM PC, are an IT professional with a historical interest, or even a reader of any technology history you'll find it an enlightening read.
I would give this book ten stars if I could. Stephen Marshall has meticulously researched this, with references to obscure inventors and inventions throughout that show how later innovators were influenced by earlier ones and giving credit to the rightful owners. He covers his topic beginning with manual counting devices and ending with the Apple Macintosh and IBM PC and clones and includes both machine, software, patents, disputes, and other topics. Devices are described in detail and if you don't have at least a basic background in computers you may get lost in parts of these descriptions. The less technical text brings you back, however. I had a hard time putting this book down. It's a long book and it will take you awhile to get through it, but it's well worth the effort. The only topic not covered, and to me this is a big omission, is the supercomputer, although Seymour Cray is mentioned several times.This would have been a dynamic place to end the narrative. You get
It is a well researched book. The focus is on hardware evolution.
It is very nice book for everybody interested in history of computers. It covers both technical and business sides of computer industry. However, it is true that business story is given in deeper details than technical one. On the other hand, business issues regarding computing are also very interesting. I would say that book is nice thanks to the fact that it describes beging of many today famous and large computer companies (like IBM, Apple, Microsoft and Intel) in highly realistic and pure light. Founders of vast majority of the companies had to face many problems, especially with funding of their business. It was not pink American dream at all. I would say that in many cases the companies have survived by accident.
Regarding the technical part of computing, the book is going from the earliest ages of computing in the 16th century, describing mechanical calculators, like Pascilne or Leibnitz's steeper reckoner and of course Babbage's differential engine. Then the first electro-mechanical and electrical computers are presented, like a Conrad Zusse engines or Vanevar Bush's differential analysers. Description of the "true age" of electronic computers starts with Colusus and ENIAC, then transistorised computers are introduced. Next part of the book is dedicated to development of large mainframe computers as well as minicomputers in 60's and 70's. In the last part of the book one chapter contains description of graphical interfaces development (interestingly the history of GUI begins in 50's). Last chapters are dedicated to modern age of computing, like founding of Apple, introducing of Windows etc. I highly appreciate that author of the book decribed very important role of firm Xerox in the computer history. As you can find in the book, Xerox was pionner of the GUI and many other very modern concepts like a e-learnig or even tablets.
I would recomend reading of the book for everyone who is interested in computers and general history of engineering.
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