The Computer

A Brief History of the Machine That Changed the World

Eric G. Swedin, David L. Ferro (Autoren)

Buch | Softcover

320 Seiten

2025
Bloomsbury Academic (Verlag)
979-8-216-38339-0 (ISBN)

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Aimed at general readers, this book traces the full history of computing from antiquity to today, set within a wider political, economic, and social context.

This book, aimed at general readers, covers the entirety of computing history from antiquity to the present, placing the story of computing into the broader context of politics, economics, society, and more.

Computers dominate the world we live in, and this book describes how we got here. The Computer: A Brief History of the Machine That Changed the World covers topics from early efforts at mathematical computation back in ancient times, such as the abacus and the Antikythera device, through Babbage's Difference Engine and the Hollerith Tabulating Machines of the 19th century, to the eventual invention of the modern computer during World War II and its aftermath. The scope of the text reaches into the modern day, with chapters on social media and the influence of computers and technology on recent elections.

The information in this book, perfect for readers new to the topic or those looking to delve into the history of computers in greater detail, can be accessed both chronologically and topically. With chapters focusing on larger time periods as well as shorter subsections covering specific people and topics, this book is designed to make the history of computing as approachable as possible.

Eric G. Swedin is professor of history at Weber State University in Ogden, UT, USA. David L. Ferro is professor of computer science and dean of the College of Engineering, Applied Science, and Technology at Weber State University in Ogden, UT, USA.

Introduction

1. Before Computers
2. The First Electronic Computers
3. The Second Generation: From Vacuum Tubes to Transistors
4. The Third Generation: From Integrated Circuits to Microprocessors
5. Personal Computers: Bringing the Computer into the Home
6. Connections: Networking Computers Together
7. Moore's Law Triumphant
8. Social Media
9. Computers Everywhere
10. Information Security

Reflections on the Past and Future: A Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Erscheinungsdatum	16.10.2025
Zusatzinfo	24 bw illus
Verlagsort	New York
Sprache	englisch
Maße	154 x 232 mm
Gewicht	480 g
Themenwelt	Geisteswissenschaften ► Geschichte ► Allgemeine Geschichte
	Geschichte ► Teilgebiete der Geschichte ► Technikgeschichte
	Mathematik / Informatik ► Informatik
ISBN-13	979-8-216-38339-0 / 9798216383390
Zustand	Neuware