Computer: A History of the Information Machine

Computer: A History of the Information Machine traces the evolution of computing technology from its earliest mechanical beginnings through to the modern digital age. The text charts the progression from Babbage's difference engine through Hollerith's tabulating machines and into the era of electronic computers. The book provides coverage of both the technical and social dimensions of computing history, exploring how these machines transformed from specialized scientific instruments into ubiquitous business tools and personal devices. Multiple editions have expanded the scope to include developments like the rise of the Internet, social networking, and shifts in computing paradigms. The narrative spans multiple eras of innovation - from early mechanical calculation devices to mainframes, personal computers, and networked systems. It examines key figures, companies, and technological breakthroughs that shaped each phase of computing's development. This comprehensive chronicle offers insights into how computing technology has fundamentally reshaped human society, work, and communication over the past two centuries. The text stands as an essential reference for understanding the technical and cultural forces that drove the information revolution.

Readers describe this as an accessible technology history focused on the business and social aspects rather than technical details. Many appreciate the clear chronological structure and coverage of pre-electronic computing machines. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex concepts - Strong coverage of early mechanical calculators and tabulators - Focus on business/industry context behind computer development - Well-researched with detailed citations Dislikes: - Limited technical depth - Minimal coverage of post-1990s developments - Some readers found the writing dry - Too much focus on IBM according to multiple reviews Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (289 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) "Perfect for readers interested in the social history of computing rather than the nuts and bolts" - Goodreads reviewer "Good historical overview but lacks technical substance for engineering students" - Amazon reviewer Several readers noted it works better as a business history than a comprehensive computer history text.

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🔹 The term "computer" originally referred to humans who performed calculations professionally - typically women who worked as mathematical clerks in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 🔹 Author Martin Campbell-Kelly is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Warwick and has spent over 40 years researching computing history, contributing to numerous influential works in the field. 🔹 Herman Hollerith's tabulating machines, developed for the 1890 U.S. Census, processed data nearly 10 times faster than manual methods and later formed the foundation for IBM's early success. 🔹 Early electronic computers like ENIAC required massive amounts of power - consuming about 150 kilowatts while operating, enough to power approximately 15 modern households. 🔹 The first computer mouse, invented by Douglas Engelbart in the 1960s, was made of wood and had only one button - a far cry from today's sophisticated pointing devices.