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Slaves of the Machine: The Quickening of Computer Technology
An accessible, anecdotal survey of the influence and mechanics of computers traces the birth of the computer, explains its workings and programming, charts its evolution, and predicts its future, including the possibilities of artificial intelligence. UP.
- GenresTechnology
145 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 14, 2016
I liked this a lot, back in 2004. I have no idea how it has aged.
A quote from Rawlins, from my 2004 writeup:
"The answer to "Could computers think? is that it doesn't matter...What matters is whether we * think* they think." His discussion of AI is succinct and illuminating: "A future of smart machines is strange indeed... it may be much harder to kill yourself by turning on a gas oven or running a car in a locked garage - both your oven and your car may figure out what you're trying to do and prevent you... Possessions might get more dangerous, too... Are we ready for a world of feral
cars?"
"As Thoreau said long ago, we've become the tools of our tools... One day, something vast and cool and strange may read these very words -- and chuckle with amusement.
Welcome to tomorrow."
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3OMNVX...
A quote from Rawlins, from my 2004 writeup:
"The answer to "Could computers think? is that it doesn't matter...What matters is whether we * think* they think." His discussion of AI is succinct and illuminating: "A future of smart machines is strange indeed... it may be much harder to kill yourself by turning on a gas oven or running a car in a locked garage - both your oven and your car may figure out what you're trying to do and prevent you... Possessions might get more dangerous, too... Are we ready for a world of feral
cars?"
"As Thoreau said long ago, we've become the tools of our tools... One day, something vast and cool and strange may read these very words -- and chuckle with amusement.
Welcome to tomorrow."
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3OMNVX...
July 10, 2014
Gregory Rawlins is a computer scientist and writer who does not talk down to his audience. This is a succinct and well written book about a technology that has changed the almost every aspect of society. If you have someone who "still-does-not-get-it", or has been living under a rock, this is the book for them.
May 18, 2013
Somewhat simple -- interesting overview of some of the developments of technology -- advocates that computers are too much like lawyers but could be much more general, intuitive, and therefore flexible -- and that they will be in the future as programmers change their paradigm.
gave-up
December 22, 2015Fuck this book and this author and its press. 0 stars.
Will explain why later. Gave up 21 December 2015.
Will explain why later. Gave up 21 December 2015.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews