The History of Computing: A Very Short Introduction [Paperback]

ThisVery Short Introductiondiscusses the central events, machines, and people that feature in established accounts of the history of computing. It then recontextualises them, critically examining received perceptions and providing a fresh look at the nature and development of the modern electronic computer.Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringThis livelyVery Short Introductionreviews 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 smartphones of the present day. It discusses the problems and simplifications present in such a narrative, and offers instead an account, centred on users, that identifies 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'.ABOUT THE SERIES: TheVery Short Introductionseries from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.AcknowledgementsList of Illustrations1. History and computing2. Calculation3. Automatic computation4. Electronic computing5. The computer boom6. Revolution7. The future of historyFurther readingDoron Swade,Honorary Fellow, Royal Holloway, University of LondonREPLACELESSTHANbREPLACEGREATERTHANDlóÆ