kjr@utacs.UTA.FI (Jouko R{ih{) (01/07/88)
We are planning on including in our curriculum a course on the history of computers, data processing, computer science etc. I would be interested to get recommendations and opinions about text books (are there any available?). Kari-Jouko Raiha Department of Computer Science University of Tampere, Finland Internet: kjr@utacs.uta.fi UUCP: kjr@utacs.uucp
bulko@ut-sally.UUCP (Bill Bulko) (01/11/88)
In article <521@utacs.UTA.FI> kjr@utacs.UUCP (Kari-Jouko R{ih{) writes: > >We are planning on including in our curriculum a course >on the history of computers, data processing, computer science etc. >I would be interested to get recommendations and opinions >about text books (are there any available?). > >Kari-Jouko Raiha >Department of Computer Science >University of Tampere, Finland The best book that I know of (not necessarily the best book in existence) is "Bit by Bit", by Stanley Augarten. I have a copy of this at home, so if you need more info about the publisher, etc. send me mail. The book is very readable. It covers the history of computers (not necessarily computer science!) from the abacus through mechanical calculators, vacuum tubes, transistors, etc. up to pretty much modern technology. It emphasizes history, and constantly "pauses" to supply some background on the people involved. It also describes the origins of several major computer companies. The level of the book is just right for a freshman-level class: it shouldn't lose anyone with its terminology, but it also doesn't clutter itself with remedial lessons. I say check it out. Bill _______________________________________________________________________________ Artificial Intelligence: the art of making computers that behave like the ones in movies Bill Bulko The University of Texas bulko@sally.UTEXAS.EDU Department of Computer Sciences _______________________________________________________________________________