A basic introduction to the computer, starting at the construction and logic of binary numbers, Boolean algebra, logic circuits using relays and transistors, continuing to consider 8080 and 6800 chips, memory addressing, and assembly language programming. I had not remembered much of the principles of logic gates, although I know I went through this in college, during the physical chemistry laboratory, and I have known, vaguely, about Boolean algebra and logic since high school. I encountered several new concepts subtraction with "9's" and "2's" complements in decimal and binary, hexadecimal logic, and carry and flag registers. The only part of the book that was unsatisfying was the chapter on the construction of an adding computer that left out the connections of the various control codes. The final chapter explained graphical interfaces, bus and clock speeds, and other common computer terms with clarity and dispatch. ( )

A look at digital computing, going back to the nuts and bolts, or rather, the switches. The early parts of the book could easily be comprehended by a bright 10-year-old. It made me want to try to build some of the stuff in the early chapters. ( )

Pretty good book. I have a technical background so I skimmed over some of the areas. I think it did a very good job of explaining the path of development from the beginnings of the computer to where we are today (or at least when it was published). I heard it was a book that was supposed to be approachable to non-technical people as a sort of introduction to how it all came to be, but I'm not sure if I think it would be that approachable without some knowledge of the area. Definitely recommended to people with a technical background or anyone with a strong desire to to gain some insight into how modern computers grew up. ( )