Computer: A History of the Information Machine

This clear and engaging book traces the history of the computer as far back as its 19th-century conceptual origins. By devoting so much space to the connections between digital computers and related technology, the authors manage to situate the computer within a clearly defined social and scientific context. The book loses some of its focus as it reaches the Internet era, which is probably harder to examine from a historical perspective. But overall, it is an excellent introduction to the subject by two scholars who successfully cater to the general reader.

The history of computers as driven by business and information processing needs. Many great examples of how computers changed things like airline reservations, inventory control, check clearing, etc. The description of nineteenth century check clearing was fascinating. Published in 1996, the WWW is mentioned, but not browsers. The Internet's utility was debated since it wasn't clear then there would ever be a useful way to find anything. Much of the book is really a history of IBM, since IBM dominated computing services for decades.

Didn't read much of this , all stuff you've hear before

Didn't read much of this , all stuff you've hear before

Aspray, William