A History of Computing TechnologyThis second edition of the popular reference and textbook outlines the historical developments in computing technology. The book describes historical aspects of calculation and concentrates on the physical devices used to aid people in their attempts at automating the arithmetic process. A History of Computing Technology highlights the major advances in arithmetic from the beginning of counting, through the three most important developments in the subject: the invention of the zero, logarithms, and the electronic computer. It provides you with an understanding of how these ideas developed and why the latest tools are in their current forms. In addition, it tells many of the interesting stories about both the machines and the scientists who produced them. It focuses on the extraordinary accomplishments of those computer pioneers whose work will stand as proof of their genius and hard work. |
Contents
IN THE BEGINNING | 1 |
EARLY AIDS TO CALCULATION | 48 |
MECHANICAL CALCULATING MACHINES | 122 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
abacus accumulator actually addition analytical engine arithmetic unit attempt Automatic Babbage Babbage's Ballistic basic BINAC binary bits Bletchley Park calculating machine Cambridge Charles Babbage chine circuits complete construction decimal delay line device difference engine digital computer disk drum early Eckert EDSAC EDVAC electronic computer ENIAC equipment example Figure fingers function gears Greek History of Computing IAS machine idea instruction instrument invention known Konrad Zuse Laboratory later Leibnitz logarithms London magnetic Manchester Mark mathematicians mathematics Mauchly mechanical mercury Moore School Morland multiplication Napier Napier's bones National Physical Laboratory Neumann notation number system operations paper tape perform Photograph courtesy Pilot ACE position problems produced pulse punched card relays result rotating scale Scheutz Schickard simple slide rule speed standard storage stored subtraction switches tables tally sticks tion UNIVAC University vacuum tubes wheels wire word Zuse