What is a Universal Tool?.- Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine.- Office Automation.- Computers go to War.- Computers go to Work.- Deadheads & Propeller Heads.- The Computer gets Personal.- The Computer Revolution.- Weaving the Web.- Apple is Reborn.- Over the Horizon.- Resources.- Competitors.- About the Author.- Published books.
Ian Watson is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He has published two textbooks and over one hundred scientific papers, on various aspects of artificial intelligence and is a regular speaker at computer science conferences worldwide. He also makes regular contributions to the popular NZ computer magazine NetGuide.
From the reviews: "The Universal Machine follows the development of computers, as it says in the subtitle, 'From the dawn of computing to digital consciousness.' ... On the whole, the historical content was at just the right level - enough to keep you interested without getting overwhelmed. ... The Universal Machine is a great way to get a real feel for where the machines that are at the centre of so many of our lives came from." (Brain Clegg, Popular Science, June, 2012) "An interesting and reasonably priced book, which concentrates on some of the people (from Ada to Zuse), companies (from Apple to Xerox) and machines (from the Acorn to the Z1) that have contributed to computer development. ... The book contains plenty of references ... as well as a 'Further Reading' section. ... it appeals to a wide audience, and at over 350 pages there is something in here for anyone who has the vaguest interest in a history of computers including the internet ... ." (Mike Rees, BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT, August, 2012) "This book starts with Charles Babbage and ends with the US military's latest Reaper drones, tracing a fascinating history of the development of computers and computer science from the Regency and Victorian eras to the present day. ... it's accessible and readable even to non-geeky types, written as it is in an easy-going and engaging style. ... it's also an enjoyable read for hard-core techies: you'll almost certainly keep running into computers and engineers you haven't heard of before." (Paul Ducklin, Naked Security, August, 2012)
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