Computer : a history of the information machine / Martin Campbell-Kelly, William Aspray, Nathan Ensmenger, Jeffrey R. Yost.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Campbell-Kelly, Martin.

Contributor:

Aspray, William.

Ensmenger, Nathan, 1972-

Yost, Jeffrey R.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Computers--History.

Computers.

History.

Electronic data processing--History.

Electronic data processing.

Physical Description:

xv, 360 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Edition:

Third edition.

Place of Publication:

Boulder, CO : Westview Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group, [2014]

Summary:

Computer: A History of the Information Machine traces the history of the computer and shows how business and government were the first to explore its unlimited, information-processing potential. Old-fashioned entrepreneurship combined with scientific know-how inspired now famous computer engineers to create the technology that became IBM. Wartime needs drove the giant ENIAC, the first fully electronic computer. Later, the PC enabled modes of computing that liberated people from room-sized, mainframe computers. This third edition provides updated analysis on software and computer networking, including new material on the programming profession, social networking, and mobile computing. It expands its focus on the IT industry with fresh discussion on the rise of Google and Facebook as well as how powerful applications are changing the way we work, consume, learn, and socialize. Computer is an insightful look at the pace of technological advancement and the seamless way computers are integrated into the modern world. Through comprehensive history and accessible writing, Computer is perfect for courses on computer history, technology history, and information and society, as well as a range of courses in the fields of computer science, communications, sociology, and management. Book jacket.

Contents:

Preface to the Third Edition

Part One. BEFORE THE COMPUTER

When Computers Were People

The Mechanical Office

Babbage's Dream Comes True

Part Two. CREATING THE COMPUTER

Inventing the Computer

The Computer Becomes a Business Machine

The Maturing of the Mainframe : The Rise of IBM

Part Three. INNOVATION AND EXPANSION

Real Time : Reaping the Whirlwind

Software

New Modes of Computing

Part Four. GETTING PERSONAL

The Shaping of the Personal Computer

Broadening the Appeal

The Internet.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780813345901

0813345901

OCLC:

841556836