About the book
Discover the history of computing through 4 major threads of development in this compact, accessible history covering punch cards, Silicon Valley, smartphones, and much more.
In an accessible style, computer historian Paul Ceruzzi offers a broad though detailed history of computing, from the first use of the word “digital” in 1942 to the development of punch cards and the first general purpose computer, to the internet, Silicon Valley, and smartphones and social networking.
Ceruzzi identifies 4 major threads that run throughout all of computing’s technological development:
• Digitization: the coding of information, computation, and control in binary form
• The convergence of multiple streams of techniques, devices, and machines
• The steady advance of electronic technology, as characterized famously by “Moore's Law”
• Human-machine interface
The history of computing could be told as the story of hardware and software, or the story of the Internet, or the story of “smart” hand-held devices. In this concise and accessible account of the invention and development of digital technology, Ceruzzi offers a general and more useful perspective for students of computer science and history.
Editions of Computing
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262517676
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262310376
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262310383
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262310390
Read an Excerpt
Discover the history of computing through 4 major threads of development in this compact, accessible history covering punch cards, Silicon Valley, smartphones, and much more.
In an accessible style, computer historian Paul Ceruzzi offers a broad though detailed history of computing, from the first use of the word “digital” in 1942 to the development of punch cards and the first general purpose computer, to the internet, Silicon Valley, and smartphones and social networking.
Ceruzzi identifies 4 major threads that run throughout all of computing’s technological development:
• Digitization: the coding of information, computation, and control in binary form
• The convergence of multiple streams of techniques, devices, and machines
• The steady advance of electronic technology, as characterized famously by “Moore's Law”
• Human-machine interface
The history of computing could be told as the story of hardware and software, or the story of the Internet, or the story of “smart” hand-held devices. In this concise and accessible account of the invention and development of digital technology, Ceruzzi offers a general and more useful perspective for students of computer science and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Computing about?
Discover the history of computing through 4 major threads of development in this compact, accessible history covering punch cards, Silicon Valley, smartphones, and much more.
In an accessible style, computer historian Paul Ceruzzi offers a broad though detailed history of computing, from the first use of the word “digital” in 1942 to the development of punch cards and the first general purpose computer, to the internet, Silicon Valley, and smartphones and social networking.
Ceruzzi identifies 4 major threads that run throughout all of computing’s technological development:
• Digitization: the coding of information, computation, and control in binary form
• The convergence of multiple streams of techniques, devices, and machines
• The steady advance of electronic technology, as characterized famously by “Moore's Law”
• Human-machine interface
The history of computing could be told as the story of hardware and software, or the story of the Internet, or the story of “smart” hand-held devices. In this concise and accessible account of the invention and development of digital technology, Ceruzzi offers a general and more useful perspective for students of computer science and history.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Computing?
Computing and Information Technology > Digital and Information technology: general topics > History of Computing, digital and information technologies
Where can I read a sample of Computing?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262517676
Is Computing part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Computing?
Paul E. Ceruzzi
Who is the Publisher of the book Computing?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Computing is available as paperback(ISBN 9780262517676) and ebook(ISBN 9780262310376) and ebook(ISBN 9780262310383) and ebook(ISBN 9780262310390)
Where can I buy Computing online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Computing from below
Where can I buy Computing?