The Story of Computing

by Dermot Turing

'I do not see why it [the machine] should not enter any one of the fields normally covered by the human intellect, and eventually compete on equal terms.'
Alan Turing, 1949

Today computers shape every aspect of our lives. In our pockets, we carry mobile phones with computing power that was unimaginable just 50 years ago. Every workplace has its array of desktops, servers, and laptops, and a selection of specially designed software. Many industries are embracing the promises - and the risks - of artificial intelligence. The world is changing faster than ever, and computing is at the heart of technological development.

While computers themselves are modern phenomena, for centuries people have been attempting to solve complex problems, often with the aid of machines. The first computers were not machines at all, but people armed with mathematical tables and infinite patience. They were replaced by heavy, cumbersome machines that sprawled over multiple rooms. Over the course of half a century, they were transformed from an obscure tool for scientists into the quintessential consumer product.

The Story of Computing takes you on an incredible journey through the ideas, the discoveries, and the personalities that shaped the modern technology on which we have come to rely.

Topics include:
• the birth of the computer
• codebreaking in World War II
• innovations in hardware and software
• artificial intelligence
• the internet
• the challenges of cybersecurity.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

British solicitor and author. Nephew of Alan Turing.

Reviews

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

So what’s something you use every day, probably have no idea how it actually works and would never be able to build and yet is essential in me writing this review and you reading it? Right, computer. The ubiquitous necessary all important thing civilization has gotten along without until fairly recently. Even a fairly analog person can appreciate the awesomeness of computer and here’s a story of how it all came to be. Written so very appropriately by the nephew of the great Alan Turing. I must preface this by explaining just how nonscientific my brain is…tragically so. The left side is all active and engaged, the right side not so much. Sciences fascinate me in part because they are so unnatural for my brain to fathom and process. This book was perfect for someone like me, it utilized science that was very well explained and balanced it optimally with historical data and pictures. Yes, pictures. This book absolutely is a winner for properly visually arranged nonfiction. Every new idea, discovery, technology gets a picture or a photo. Terrific. The text is also no slouch, the story of computing is presented comprehensibly, succinctly and engagingly, the narrative is erudite and even humorous at times. And so from abacus to A.I. covering centuries of research, trial and error and spectacular achievements you’ll see how far we’ve made it when it comes to achieving a dream future (ok, my dream future) of having robot friends. This book just about checked all the boxes for a perfect autodidactic nonfiction reading experience. It is from a new publishing company, who not only did a great job with giving out a proper (well edited, all inclusive) digital ARC, but was also very friendly and nice about it. May their future be bright and their books interesting. Very educational and enjoyable read. Thanks Netgalley.

[Darjeeling · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an impulse buy from the Natural History Museum (The one in London. There are probably others, but they are not THE Natural History Museum ;P). Not impressed by the fact that the author is related to Alan Turing, I don't really believe in all that 'Good Breeding' stuff. I'm not THAT old fashioned. Yet. I did learn a few 'fun facts', but the disjointed 'Gee Wiz' and 'Bet you didn't know' layout of the book does irritate me a little.

p-130; 'As to tablet computers, the flat modular computers that fill a niche somewhere between laptops and smartphones, neither AMD nor Intel has much impact. Here the entire system is on a chip and those chips are typically made by Arm Holdings, based in Cambridge, UK.' - OK I like this book a bit more now :)

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Computers and history - that's a book right up my alley. Turing, a nephew of the Alan Turing, takes the reader on a road from the Assyrans to the modern idea of AI. The language is entertaining and easy to follow and the book is richly illustrated - a lot of the picture material I hadn't seen before. My only nitpick would be the length and depth of each entry, there were many interesting facts I wanted to read more about (which likely would expand a book to a whole encyclopedia then). It serves well as a first introduction to milestones of the history of computing. A fun, informative read, I enjoyed this.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

History can be enjoyable

I enjoyed this book. It takes a thoroughly entertaining and mostly non-technical look at the past, present and future of computing. Yes, there was some techno-babble but not enough to be irritating. Dermot Turing explains everything thoroughly and writes with a good sense of humor. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in science or history.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

#TheStoryOfComputing #NetGalley #AI

This is a good reference book about the origin of the computing starting from the mathematical concepts and tools used by the Greeks and the Mayans and ending to the modern days in the reign of the artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sketchy historical rendering that dwells too much on analytical details. Only saving grace are the great images.

[Melissa Danilov · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good way to start learning about computers, but the author left out a lot of details. Not for newbies as I still don't know how some things work. Artificial intelligence was barely touched upon.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, though I know the subject fairly well. Was quick and easy.

[Arturo Herrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of the entire history of computing.

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Layout of the book made it quite confusing to read. Some of it was easy for laymen (me) to understand but then dissolved quickly into fairly technical terms

[Books In Brogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty dry read but is a very comprehensive book on the history of computers so would be good for students or someone interested in the subject like I am.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan