Editorial Review

The title of this scholarly yet remarkably accessible slice of contemporary cultural history has a whiff of paradox about it: what can it mean, exactly, to say that we humans have become something other than human? The answer, Katherine Hayles explains, lies not in ourselves but in our tools. Ever since the invention of electronic computers five decades ago, these powerful new machines have inspired a shift in how we define ourselves both as individuals and as a species.Read more

Reviews (10)

What is the Posthuman Future?
This is an important, impressive, and infuriating book that should be read by all those interested in the posthuman movement, the possibility of a cyborg future, and the nature of cyberspace. I agree with other reviewers that it is a penetrating analysis of the cultural revolution taking place in information and what it means for human (and posthuman) society. It is important as a powerful statement of the post-modern concern with embodiment and what that might portend for the future of humanity. It is impressive as a wide-ranging analysis of the inter-linkages of technology, culture, and the human body. It is infuriating because of the jargon-filled text and convoluted nature of the writing. That last criticism is one that is generic for post-modern works such as this, and certainly not a specific criticism of this book.
REDEFINING WHAT HUMAN IS -- into the 22nd Century
Yes, this is 22nd Century thinking today. I was fortunate enough to meet the author at a LA FUTURISTS SOCIETY meeting where she was a guest speaker. She looks ordinary-- like a college professor-type, speaks clearly but her writing is the extraordinary talent. She combines humanism and science to see how virtual bodies and informatics are influencing how we live, work and love. One of those books that yearns for you to write in the margins and put your notes in the back. Pages and pages of notes on my copy. No one will share this copy, don't even ask!!!! Not an easy read but well worth the journey. I love to read books in hours or days but this one took weeks (in between other reading) and it was well worth every minute, hour, day spent. Perfect book for this summer when the MACHINES ARE TAKING OVER on our screens at movies and television. The crossover from cybernetics to literature is what is so fascinating. I can't begin to summarize all that I learned and all the questions that it brought up for me to seek out more info. Belongs on every science and literature teacher's shelf. One of the books they should require for every engineer and techie at the beginning of their careers. Make way for the future!!!!!

Too full of jargon for me
This is probably one of the hardest books I have ever read--with no background in either philosophy or cybernetics, much of what Hayles discusses is just plain incomprehensible.I also found it difficult to accept the idea of humans already being "post-human."If you are interested in deep philosophical writings on technology and the human condition, with links to literature, read this.If you don't really care about the post-human, skip it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artificial intelligence    2. Computer Science    3. Cybernetics    4. General    5. History    6. Philosophy & Social Aspects    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Virtual reality    10. Virtual reality in literature    11. Impact of computing & IT on society    12. Science / Philosophy & Social Aspects    13. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (2)

Great Book.
This is a great text on matroid theory. This book is far easier to read than other matroid book I have seen (Welsh). Second edition is a significant update and cheaper to boot. (being a paperback)
Good book
The author clearly explains the topic.My only complaint is that some of the problems are rather difficult, and there isn't a solution key. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Combinatorics    3. Discrete Mathematics    4. Graphic Methods    5. History - General    6. Lattice Theory    7. Mathematics    8. Matroids    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Combinatorics & graph theory    11. Geometry    12. Mathematical foundations    13. Mathematical theory of computation    14. Mathematics / Combinatorics    15. Mathematics | Pure Mathematics    16. Topology   

Reviews (2)

... upclose and thorough view of personal cyberspace
Mark Wolf presents a ground breaking and thorough examination of the video game as artistic medium, cultural phenomena, and a meaningful portal for understanding the context of what has become our new digital lifestyle. a problematic book worth browsing through
The Medium of the Video Game is an anthology edited by Mark J. P. Wolf. However, to say that Wolf is only the editor is really an understatement, Medium of the Video Game is really his baby. Of the nine essays in this book, five of them are his.Read more

Subjects:  1. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    2. History    3. Popular Culture - General    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Video & Electronic - General    8. Video games    9. Computer games    10. Games / Video & Electronic    11. Media studies    12. Social theory   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (8)

An interesting read on a cultural phenom.
I recently purchased an ipod and before I received it, I wanted to read up on it.I was looking more for a how-to book, which this isn't.This book instead is a very interesting read on the beginning of the ipod to the impact on society the ipod has had.The book is well written, with interesting facts and great color photos.I would highly recommend this book to any ipod owner or future owner.I did not buy this book, rather I rented it from the public library.

An artifact of its own subject
I had checked out Mr. Kahney's book hoping to find some objective insight into what has become the news media's technological darling. But objectivity is nullified when a disclaimer such as the following appears on the publication page: "Rather than use a trademark symbol with every occurrence of a trademarked name, we are using the names only in an editorial fashion and **to the benefit of the trademark owner**, with no intention of infringement of the trademark" (emphasis added). This lack of objectivity is further evidenced by the last line of the first paragraph: "Inside Apple's little white box is magic, pure magic, in the guise of music." To paraphrase The Lovin' Spoonful, if you believe in magic then this book's for you.
Very interesting, very aesthetic, and very detailed.
I found this book as I was researching the product development history of the iPod for a class.This book did a fantastic job analyzing how this business concept went from idea to prototype to market (and, of course, beyond).If you are interested in the beginnings of where this product started, and where it has gone, I highly recommend this book.
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Subjects:  1. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    2. Computer Books: Operating Systems    3. Computers    4. History    5. Operating Systems - Macintosh    6. Social Aspects - General    7. Social aspects    8. iPod (Digital music player)    9. Computer / Apple/Macintosh    10. Computers / Operating Systems / Macintosh    11. Computers/History    12. Computers/Social Aspects - General    13. Mac, OS X, Cult of Mac, iPod, iTunes, music, MP3 player, MP3, iPod Shuffle, iPod Mini   

Reviews (1)

Don't read this book.
This book witnesses the long-standing prejudice that non-math or non-stat people would prefer books which drop all the mathematical or logical gimmichks. I could know nothing about the methods from this book. This book does not provide necessary knowledge. Try Lawless or Lee's book. They employ some mathematics. But don't worry. If you are not a statistics major, you just pick up what you should know for your application. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer simulation    2. Event history analysis    3. General    4. History    5. Methodology    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Social sciences    10. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    11. Political Science / General    12. Social research & statistics   

Subjects:  1. Computers - General Information    2. Computers and civilization    3. Digital media    4. Essays    5. General    6. History    7. Information Technology    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Social aspects    10. Sociology    11. Technology    12. Cultural studies    13. Technology / History   

Editorial Review

While it's true that no one person's vision encompassed all ofwhat we now consider personal computing, we can't help but focus onindividual effort as we try to understand how we got here. Sciencewriter M. Mitchell Waldrop carefully balances this hero culture with ahistorian's mania for completeness in Read more

Reviews (14)

Epic in its Scope
If there such a thing as an "epic" story of computer science, then M. Mitchell Waldrop's The Dream Machine is it.Although it purports to be the story of J.C.R. Licklider, and the birth of personal computing, this book is much more than that.It takes us from the edges of the computer science revolution, through the development of the modern computing industry and the World Wide Web.
Comprehensive Historical Overview
A graduate course in a book!A tour through historical theories, accounts, and events that made up the development of the modern computer and the Net.Far more extensive than just the story of Kicklider, a historical overview of many of the minds at that time and the events that converged to form the new informaton era.

A computer chronology that reads like a novel
If The Dream Machine were a novel, you might conclude the author used every writer's technique to make it a thriller. Even though you know the outcome, you wonder how the many "miracles" and lucky breaks it took for the dream to become reality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Engineering    3. Computers    4. Computers - General Information    5. History    6. Licklider, J. C. R    7. Microcomputers    8. Networking - General    9. Social Aspects    10. Computers / Personal Computers & Microcomputers / General   

Reviews (1)

Background on this title; Not a rating
"From Gutenberg to the Internet presents 63 original readings from the history of computing, networking, and telecommunications arranged thematically by chapters. Most of the readings record basic discoveries from the 1830s through the 1960s that laid the foundation of the world of digital information in which we live.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - General Information    2. Computer Books: Internet General    3. Computer Science    4. Computers    5. History    6. Information technology    7. Internet - General   

Editorial Review

Many people get their first introduction to Lady Ada Lovelace, daughter of poet Lord Byron and companion to Charles Babbage, in William Gibsonand and Bruce Sterling's groundbreaking Read more

Reviews (3)

Well written, but missing illustrations.
I have reviewed most of the books that are readily available on Ada. This book was well written and Dr. Toole is truly the recognized authority of Ada and her life. I found an earlier edition of this book throughinterlibrary loan and was disappointed that this edition did not offer thesame illustrations and pictures. If you are interested in finding outmore about Ada especially from her own letters, this is truly one of thebest books out there.I would recommend reading at least one other book onAda Lovlace in addition to this one, for balance,at times Dr. Toole mayhave been too kind to Ada's memory. The History of a Passionate Visionary
Toole's book is an excellent introduction to the life and work of themathematical visionary, Ada Byron King.Toole's treatment allows thereader access to King's luminous mind--no small achievement. Too much idolatry
This book is not about Ada but rather the author's defense of Ada's image and place in history.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Historical - British    5. Historical - General    6. Women    7. Computers    8. Metaphysics    9. Women's studies    10. History    11. Biography   

Editorial Review

Most 31-year olds can't boast of being the instigator of a revolution. But then again, the world's leading promoter of open source software and creator of the operating system Linux does humbly call himself an accidental revolutionary--accidental being the operative word here. Read more

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (67)

Excellent biography of a guy who doesn't know how cool he is.
The title of this book is very fitting, it seems to be the way things happpened. Linus was never a "go-getter" or someone looking to change the world, just a guy who loved programming, and seemed to do it just for fun, as the title implies.
Good Start, Poor finish ... not put together very well
One reason I rated this audio CD so low was the packaging
Reading this book is fun
You'd better be somewhat geek to get the language of this book. It's a fun book. If you are in the IT industry and have affinity for open source and Linux you'd better be reading this book. One thing I did not like is although I *know* Linus is not such a person to *act* as a hero, he is presented to be so. If the book was named ...accidental hero rather than ...accidental revolutionary, I'd not be buying it I guess. But it made me feel a bit like than. Other than that, a very fun book to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Audiobooks    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Computer programmers    6. Finland    7. General    8. History    9. Operating Systems - Linux    10. Scientists - Inventors    11. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

This history of the computer explores the roots of the industry's phenomenal development, tracing not only the development of the machine itself--beginning with Charles Babbage's well-known 1883 mechanical prototype--but also chronicling the effects of manufacturing and sales innovations by such companies as Remington and National Cash Register that made the boom possible. The authors recount the transition from slow mechanical computers to the vacuum-tubed electronic computers, ENIAC and EDVAC, pioneered by a team led by mathematician John von Neumann during World War II. Later innovations made the computer a mass-market item, and now, the authors suggest, freedom of access to the technology is constrained only by the imperative of computer companies to make money. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An Excellent Read
There are countless books covering the PC revolution from about the 1970's and onwards, but not very many that carefully cover the saga of the 1800's and onward! This book does an excellent job at capturing what happened in the realm of computing from Babbage's work all the way up to what began the downfall of the mainframe to the minis.

Rich but dry
As a kid, I read this book over and over, soaking up the volumes of information. The reading is pretty dry, but the story covered is fascinating. Perhaps one thing that made it interesting was reading about the person who bought it for me - my grandfather. He was pleased with how he had been interviewed and, of course, thought they could have said more about his area of study!

The Companies and Economics behind the PC
I recently finished this book and "Engines of the Mind : The Evolution of the Computer from Mainframes to Microprocessors" by Joel N. Shurkin.Both are attempts at writing a detailed history of the development of the computer and the events surrounding it, and I must admit that I found "Computer" much more entertaining than Shurkin's text.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - General Information    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Science    4. Computers    5. Computers - General Information    6. Electronic data processing    7. History    8. Information Technology    9. Computing and Information Technology    10. History of engineering & technology    11. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (2)

A very good research job
Reading the book was like travelling in my memories. It is possible that all this time has passed?

A must-have for serious gamers.
This is the best gaming-history reference book available.Every conceivable gaming device released since 1972 is covered, including obscure (by American standards) European and Japanese computers and systems.The hardware capabilities of each machine are explored, and there are full photo spreads of each system and its games, and sometimes evern variants (like the multiple Apple II or Atari 8-bit computer models.)In all, I cannot recommend this book enough.Buy it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Games    3. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    4. Games/Puzzles    5. History    6. Microcomputers    7. Video & Electronic - General    8. Encyclopaedias & Reference Works    9. Games / Video & Electronic   

Reviews (6)

Not bad -- but not what it's advertised to be
With each year, the World Wide Web becomes, more and more, the venue of first resort for family researchers -- especially for novices with insufficient background in traditional research methods, who often do not understand that the Internet hasn't made genealogy "easier," just more convenient and much less expensive. I've been a heavy user of online resources for a decade and a half, but I still make personal visits, legal pad in hand, to rural courthouses and cemeteries. I also have reviewed (in several publications) a considerable number of "Internet genealogy" how-to books over the years and I have found that many actually use that phrase only as a marketing ploy, devoting most of their attention either to genealogical methods in general or to computers and the Internet in general, not to the use of the Internet in family research. On a purely quantitative basis -- counting the pages, that is -- this volume gives about 25% of its space to traditional genealogical subjects (family group sheets, visiting a library, the nature of "courthouse records," analysis of evidence, publishing a family newsletter, etc.), and about 30% to discussions of computer issues and the Internet (how Google works, why you should make backups of your data, getting an email account, finding an ISP that will include free web page space, and so on).
Opening a whole new world
I had sent a copy of this wonderfully informative and well written book to 6 of my relatives and friends hot off the press. My sister, who has lived out of the country for some 35 years and having returned to her root country, wanted to learn more about our family.I encouraged her and was thrilled to be able to send her a copy of Nancy's book.This was back in October, 2003.Since that time, its been almost a miracle of sorts...following the information and suggestions in Nancy's book, my sister was able to get in touch with our father's cousin, a college professor, only to find out that he, too, had been trying to find our family!The two of them have been sending emails back and forth since October, exchanging and sharing information, checking out family burial locations, sharing pictures, and this has opened a "whole new world" for both families.We are even planning a reunion of sort as early as next summer.We have so much gratitude to Nancy Hendrickson for embarking on this endeavor of educating those of use who are not all that savvy with the internet but also showing us that searching for one's roots on or off the internet is not as complicated as one would believe and most of all, the rewards. Climbing Your Family Tree, Exploring Your Roots
Finding Your Roots Online is a MUST read for anyone who wants to use the Internet to climb their family tree.The book begins with computer and Internet basics, then moves into a detailed explanation of the four most valuable search strategies.Each strategy section is accompanied by real-life searches, along with the best Web sites for specific types of research. My favorite chapter was the one that showed how to move easily back and forth between the strategies in order to tease every bit of genealogical information out of each site.If you follow along with each search, you're sure to find several of your own ancestors. Ms Hendrickson's great experience, practical approach, and deep interest in geneology and history shine through these pages, lighting the way for beginner and experienced searchers alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer network resources    2. Genealogy    3. General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Internet research    6. Internet resources    7. Online Services - General    8. Reference    9. Family history    10. Internet   

Editorial Review

Reviews (34)

Still a Good Read
Should I Buy This Book?
Still relevant and thrilling in 2005
Although this book was written at a time when the authors found it necessary to explain what 'electronic mail, or e-mail' was, the insight into Bill Gates' life, methods and extraordinary success is timeless.It is hard to imagine much in this book is out of date, other than the estimate of Gates' wealth at the time ($4b).This is a well-written book and a fast read.

Good book
This is a good book about Bill Gates. I would highly recommand you buy this book. If you are interested in studying about people and what makes them tick, you would really like this book. Although it is outdated, the way it describe Bill Gates back then and today would not make that much different in how he does business. The different now is that Bill Gates has the K.B.E title and being good by helping third world country and other good deeds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1955-    2. Biography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Businessmen    5. Businesspeople    6. Computer software industry    7. Gates, Bill,    8. History    9. History Of Specific Companies    10. United States    11. Biography: general    12. DOS    13. Entrepreneurship    14. Gates, Bill    15. USA   

Subjects:  1. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photography    4. Reference    5. Techniques - Black & White    6. Techniques - Digital    7. BG-HISTORY - BG-WAR    8. Photography / Reference   

Reviews (1)

Where art, philosophy, and the new wave combine.
Neal Leach et al., ed., Digital Tectonics (Wiley, 2004)
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Subjects:  1. Architectural design    2. Architecture    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer simulation    5. Computer-aided design    6. Design & Drafting    7. General    8. Materials    9. Architecture / General    10. History of engineering & technology    11. Impact of computing & IT on society   

Editorial Review

From the Read more

Reviews (3)

It starts with the development of efficient notation
Until recently, the history of computing has tended to be tied to the goals of mathematicians, as they struggled to keep up with the increasing demands of a society growing more technical. As nations began to trade with other nations, the necessity of performing computations on larger numbers very quickly forced changes in the notation. When first introduced into Europe, the modern decimal system of notation was greeted with skepticism and some hostility. However, as is nearly always the case in human endeavors, it was accepted rather quickly, as it was so much more efficient than other systems such as Roman numerals. Therefore, the history of computing devices is bound very tightly with improvements in representation, and the historical changes in notation are the topic of the first section of the book. Methodical history but a little dry
I would have expected from the title that this book might have started in the 1940s (or at the earliest with Babbage and the Difference Engine) and told the story of the development of computers from there. No, as the subtitle indicates, this book goes way back. In fact, the first section is a summary of number systems going back to the age of the Egyptians and before. It's a very methodical and somewhat dry tale, not helped by being translated from the French by translators who feel compelled to insert their own comments at intervals. The Universal History of Computing : From the Abacus to
This book is really fascinating, especially if you are interested in scientific and technical achievements. Read t