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(The Computing Universe) [By: Tony Hey , Gyuri Papay] [Nov, 2014]
Computers now impact almost every aspect of our lives, from our social interactions to the safety and performance of our cars. How did this happen in such a short time? And this is just the beginning. . . . In this book, Tony Hey and Gyuri Papay lead us on a journey from the early days of computers in the 1930s to the cutting-edge research of the present day that will shape computing in the coming decades. Along the way, they explain the ideas behind hardware, software, algorithms, Moore's Law, the birth of the personal computer, the Internet and the Web, the Turing Test, Jeopardy's Watson, World of Warcraft, spyware, Google, Facebook, and quantum computing. This book also introduces the fascinating cast of dreamers and inventors who brought these great technological developments into every corner of the modern world. This exciting and accessible introduction will open up the universe of computing to anyone who has ever wondered where his or her smartphone came from."
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First published October 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 6, 2014
I found most of this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. The introduction provides a good overview of the book and states its intentions as well as its target audience. While the stated aim is a first year university student the chapter on binary and boolean logic for example takes a very basic approach and I found the majority of the book highly accessible. While not a computing academic I have been involved in various aspects of computing almost since the first PC so would consider myself an 'informed reader'.
Much of the book was fascinating and I learnt a lot about EDVAC and early computing machines for example. There were good illustrations and learning outcomes in each chapter and the time line and mini biographies gave very good overviews.
The sheer scope of this book is remarkable and it is not a quick read. There is a chapter which the authors describe as much more mathematical than others and suggest non mathematicians may wish to skim and I confess I did. I did not skip any other chapters though. Some I found completely fascinating and found it hard to tear myself away. Obviously not all the chapters had that effect on me however the style of writing I found made reading very easy for the most part.
I did find the chapter on hacking/worms/viruses much less convincing than many of the others. I realise that this book is intended as more of an overview however this chapter lacked the depth and authority of others. In general I felt it was weaker on more modern computing issues with Twitter and Facebook getting mentioned almost in passing for example. I liked the idea of a chapter on the "literature of computing" and the diverse threads discussed there were a useful contrast to the more technical aspects of computing. I was less convinced by ideas on the future of computing - changes can be so radical that I felt this might have the effect of making this very competent textbook outdated rather earlier than it should be. This should prove an interesting read for those concerned with the subject and a very effective foundation textbook.
Disclosure - I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
Much of the book was fascinating and I learnt a lot about EDVAC and early computing machines for example. There were good illustrations and learning outcomes in each chapter and the time line and mini biographies gave very good overviews.
The sheer scope of this book is remarkable and it is not a quick read. There is a chapter which the authors describe as much more mathematical than others and suggest non mathematicians may wish to skim and I confess I did. I did not skip any other chapters though. Some I found completely fascinating and found it hard to tear myself away. Obviously not all the chapters had that effect on me however the style of writing I found made reading very easy for the most part.
I did find the chapter on hacking/worms/viruses much less convincing than many of the others. I realise that this book is intended as more of an overview however this chapter lacked the depth and authority of others. In general I felt it was weaker on more modern computing issues with Twitter and Facebook getting mentioned almost in passing for example. I liked the idea of a chapter on the "literature of computing" and the diverse threads discussed there were a useful contrast to the more technical aspects of computing. I was less convinced by ideas on the future of computing - changes can be so radical that I felt this might have the effect of making this very competent textbook outdated rather earlier than it should be. This should prove an interesting read for those concerned with the subject and a very effective foundation textbook.
Disclosure - I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
May 10, 2019
"The Computing Universe" is a very comprehensive, well-researched compendium of the history of modern computing. Even though I consider myself a seasoned information technology professional and lifelong student of computer history; not a page passed by where I did not learn something new - the authors did a great job putting together a very thorough, yet eminently readable book full of interesting material. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about how the computer revolution evolved from its humble beginnings.
September 22, 2018
‘The software is in the holes’. Brilliant book with great layout.
May 22, 2016
A completely readable, far-ranging compendium. This book that touches on the men and women who developed the field, computer history, invention, physics, AI, mathematics, Sci-Fi to name a few subjects. The book should be required reading for anyone contemplating working in the fields of computer science. An immensely satisfying, comprehensive, well-developed, well-cited study. A definite bookshelf addition.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews