A History of Modern Computing

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Paul E. Ceruzzi (Curator of Aerospace Electronics and Computing, National Air & Space Museum/ Smithsonian Institution) William Aspray (Professor, University of Colorado Boulder)

A History of Modern Computing

Paul E. Ceruzzi (Curator of Aerospace Electronics and Computing, National Air & Space Museum/ Smithsonian Institution), William Aspray (Professor, University of Colorado Boulder), Thomas J. Misa (Director, University of Minnesota)

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English

MIT Press
08 April 2003

History: specific events & topics; Computing & IT

Series: History of Computing

From the first digital computer to the dot-com crash-a story of individuals, institutions, and the forces that led to a series of dramatic transformations.

This engaging history covers modern computing from the development of the first electronic digital computer through the dot-com crash. The author concentrates on five key moments of transition- the transformation of the computer in the late 1940s from a specialized scientific instrument to a commercial product; the emergence of small systems in the late 1960s; the beginning of personal computing in the 1970s; the spread of networking after 1985; and, in a chapter written for this edition, the period 1995-2001. The new material focuses on the Microsoft antitrust suit, the rise and fall of the dot-coms, and the advent of open source software, particularly Linux. Within the chronological narrative, the book traces several overlapping threads- the evolution of the computer's internal design; the effect of economic trends and the Cold War; the long-term role of IBM as a player and as a target for upstart entrepreneurs; the growth of software from a hidden element to a major character in the story of computing; and the recurring issue of the place of information and computing in a democratic society. The focus is on the United States (though Europe and Japan enter the story at crucial points), on computing per se rather than on applications such as artificial intelligence, and on systems that were sold commercially and installed in quantities.

By: Paul E. Ceruzzi (Curator of Aerospace Electronics and Computing National Air & Space Museum/ Smithsonian Institution)
Series edited by: William Aspray (Professor University of Colorado Boulder), Thomas J. Misa (Director, University of Minnesota)
Imprint: MIT Press
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: second edition
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 27mm
Weight: 612g
ISBN: 9780262532037
ISBN 10: 0262532034
Series: History of Computing
Pages: 460
Publication Date: 08 April 2003
Recommended Age: From 18 years
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Paul E. Ceruzzi is Curator at the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institution. He is the author of Computing- A Concise History, A History of Modern Computing, and Internet Alley- High Technology in Tysons Corner, 1945-2005, all published by the MIT Press, and other books.

Reviews for A History of Modern Computing

""Paul E. Ceruzzi has written an authoritative guide that will stand as a landmark."" - David Howell, Personal Computer World ""Ceruzzi rarely fails to grasp the essence of the hundreds of developments he includes in his narrative."" - David K. Allison, Public Historian ""The story is engrossing and clearly told."" - Science Technology and Society