The Binary Revolution: The History and Development of the Computer by Neil Barrett
The Digital Revolution tells the massively significant story of the development of the modern computer - from its earliest beginnings in the traditional abacus, via Charles Babbage's Difference Engine to the contemporary wonders of the digital revolution and the World Wide Web. Neil Barrett's account is rich in both historical narrative and technical explanation. The historical account is detailed, authoritative and consistently interesting. The technical explanation does not shy away from the complexities of its subject but is accessible and enlightening as well as scholarly and authoritative. The nine chapters cover the following subjects: What is a Computer?; How did Computers develop?; How do Computers work?; How are Computers Programmed?; What do Operating Systems do?; Where did the Internet come from?; Putting the Internet to Work; Problems with Computers; The Future of Computing.