A brief history of computing

Offers a comprehensive account of the history of computingTraces the beginnings of computation from 3000 B.C. through to modern timesIncludes helpful pedagogical elements such as exercises and chapter summariesDoes not require studies in computer science in order to be understood and appreciatedThe history of computing has its origins at the outset of civilization, and the need for increasingly sophisticated calculations has grown as towns and communities evolved.This lively and fascinating text traces the key developments in computationfrom 3000 B.C. to the present dayin an easy-to-follow and concise manner. Providing a comprehensive introduction to the most significant events and concepts in the history of computing, the book embarks upon a journey from ancient Egypt to modern times; taking in mechanical calculators, early digital computers, the first personal computers and 3G mobile phones, among other topics. This expanded and revised new edition also examines the evolution of programming languages and the history of software engineering, in addition to such revolutions in computing as the invention of the World Wide Web.Topics and features:Ideal for self-study, offering many pedagogical features such as chapter-opening key topics, chapter introductions and summaries, exercises, and a glossaryPresents detailed information on major figures in computing, such as Boole, Babbage, Shannon, Turing, Zuse and Von NeumannReviews the history of software engineering and of programming languages, including syntax and semanticsDiscusses the progress of artificial intelligenceExamines the impact on society of the introduction of the personal computer, the World Wide Web, and the development of mobile phone technologyFollows the evolution of a number of major technology companies, including IBM, Microsoft and AppleThis clearly written and broad-ranging text both gives the reader a flavour of the history and stimulates further study in the subject. As such, it will be of great benefit to students of computer science, while also capturing the interest of the more casual reader.