Reviews (8)

What!?
I bought this book a while back... as in years.Even then the information was so dated that you couldn't really get all that much information from it.Only way I'd pick it up is if I wanted to take a look back and dream of the old days, or learn how things might have worked if technology and methodology had not advanced.

Everything You Need To Know? Not Quite.
I'm a Unix System Admin, therefore, as you might guess, I have a real and tangible reason to be interested in hackers. Protecting information and my servers is part of my job. Not Worth it
Leaves much to be desired. A few insights, but no more then can be gleamed from a well written magazine article. There are much better resources/books out there.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - General Information    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer hackers    4. Computer security    5. Computers    6. Computers - General Information    7. General    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. History    10. Security    11. Security - General    12. Computer fraud & hacking    13. Internet    14. Non-Classifiable    15. Reference works    16. Reference   

Reviews (1)

Detailed reviews of the top one hundred web sites
From detailed reviews of the top one hundred web sites devoted to World War II facts and history to five-star content ratings, and tips on how to locate the use the best information, World War II On The Web is a specific title which may hold a relatively short shelf life as an internet reference, but which soundly imparts the basics on how to search out and analyze a web-based history site for maximum results. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer network resources    3. Directories    4. General    5. Internet resources    6. Military - World War II    7. Online Services - General    8. Reference    9. Web sites    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. History / Military / World War II    12. Internet    13. Second World War, 1939-1945    14. World history: Second World War   

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer Books And Software    3. Computer network resources    4. Computers    5. Internet    6. Internet - General    7. Online Services - General    8. World history    9. Internet directories    10. Research methods: general   

Reviews (1)

Mainly a History Book of IT
Pretty good book to understand the history of IT ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computers & Technology    2. Education / Teaching    3. Educational Software    4. History    5. Reference    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology   

Subjects:  1. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    2. Computer Books: General    3. Gay Studies    4. History - Contemporary (1945- )    5. Individual Photographer    6. Photo Techniques    7. Photoessays & Documentaries    8. Photography    9. Subjects & Themes - Erotica    10. Individual photographers   

Editorial Review

Over the past fifty years, most of computer science's important inventions have come frominnovators who aren't exactly household names. Read more

Reviews (19)

Great Source
I was looking for a good source on the masterminds who shaped the Computer Science field and I found in this book. I think this book delivers a good mixture of personal stories plus technical details about the main contributions of the 15 computer scientists who shaped the field.

Great read for history buffs
If you're a computer scientist, programmer or what have you, then this book is a must read. The book presents key contributions of 15 computer scientists. While the book does contain some level of computer science speak, those who don't have computer science backgrounds will still find the book easy to read and follow. I first read this book when it was first published, and I occasionally refer back to it so I don't forget about all the great contributions made to computing.

Computer Scientists are People
At about 15 pages per computer scientist, you get brief but often substantive introductions to some key figures in computer science. For those that intrigue you, you can then look elsewhere, but from this book alone you can get a good feel for some of the key problems computer scientists have addressed. You'll also get a good feeling for what these scientists were like as people and how they thought. Quotes from interviews with each gets you closer to them.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Science    5. Computer scientists    6. Computers    7. History    8. Scientists - General    9. Biography: general    10. Computers / Computer Science    11. General Theory of Computing    12. Science: General Issues   

Editorial Review

Some great science fiction has asked about robots and the right to vote--but what happens when we're 51 percent artificial ourselves? Cyberculture scholar Chris Hables Gray looks at the ever-changing human body in Read more

Reviews (6)

Half of a dissapointment
I had a high level of interest upon picking up this book, as cyborg technology and the philosophy behind it, after reading it; however, I have to say I was a bit disappointed.I gave it a rating of 3 stars, but I think it deserves more along the lines of a 2.5.This book professes to be about cyborgs, and it is, but Gray's definition of "cyborg" is so incredibly broad that it loses a huge part of its relevancy.He defines a cyborg as "a self-regulating organism that combines the natural and artificial into one system," and takes that as far as it can possibly go, calling unborn fetuses cyborgs if they are viewed by ultrasound, and the average citizen a cyborg for having immunizations.I am a cyborg because I wear glasses.
A man with a vision
Not only does his book have a dazzling perspective into all the ways that the body is modified within modern practice he also brings it to a level that even the most novice of readers can grasp.Having been a philosophy student of Mr. Gray's in 1997 I must say it is not quite as enlightening as being in person with him, but it still shows his brilliance and true connection to the cyborg-mentality.Frankly if you can find a way to meet him, every second is worth it.But if you can't, this book is a good close second, and well worth your $ and reading time.

An intriguing survey of changing images of civil rights
In Cyborg Citizen, the author argues that the creation of cyborgs calls for new definitions of citizenship. Examples can include Internet offerings and the legal and political issues raised by its use, and issues affecting the mechanization of humans with artificial parts. An intriguing survey of changing images of civil rights and liberties. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civics & Citizenship    2. Cyborgs    3. History & Theory - General    4. Human-machine systems    5. Life Sciences - Evolution    6. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Robotics    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Social Aspects - Human-Computer Interaction    12. Computers / Artificial Intelligence    13. Impact of science & technology on society   

Reviews (2)

An Update to a Classic
Twenty five years ago Pamela McCorduck wrote a definitive book on Artificial Intelligence.She first went among the artificial intelligentsia when the field was fresh and new, and she asked the scientists engaged in it what they were doing and why.She saw artificial intelligence as the scientific apotheosis of one of the most enduring, glorious, often amusing, and sometimes alarming, traditions of human culture: the endless fascination with artifacts that think.
An insightful view of AI from an insider in the field.
The field of artificial intelligence, in terms of its research content, and the confidence it expresses in the results of this research, has executed a roller coaster ride in the last five decades. There have been many proposals, many leads not going anywhere, but just as many leads showing great promise but were abandoned. The reasons why they were abandoned are unclear, but many researchers in artificial intelligence have let them themselves be persuaded that their results do not reflect real intelligence. This has thwarted the development of many promising areas in artificial intelligence, which could have been highly developed by now. Read more

Subjects:  1. Artificial Intelligence - General    2. Artificial intelligence    3. Computers    4. Computers - General Information    5. History    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Scientists - General    8. History of science   

Reviews (1)

One of the best...
I have read a lot of books on PhotoShop Elements but this is probably the best for my skill level (beginner - intermediate). The 220 pages are packed with great ideas and techniques - all well displayed and simply explained. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    2. Computers - Desktop Publishing    3. Digital techniques    4. Photo Techniques    5. Photography    6. Reference    7. Special effects    8. Techniques - Digital    9. BG-HISTORY - BG-ANCIENT/ARCHAEOLO   

Editorial Review

The pocket-size Read more

Reviews (9)

Essentail Computer Graphic foundation.
I bought this book for Computer Graphic Course for Animator class, and I found it really valuable because I wanted to learn much about history of computer softwares like painter, photoshop,and Maya.Anyways, this book is superb!This book is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in working in Entertainment industry.

Essential CG historical data!
Superficially subdued by a bland title that reads like a basic, frills-free "Introduction to Computer Graphics" course, Terrence Masson's CG 101: A Computer Graphics Industry Reference, by New Riders Publishing, nevertheless dispatches preconceived notions with its exquisitely detailed history of digital art production. A visual effects director and the founder of Digital Fauxtography, the author has spent at least two stints with Industrial Light & Magic and once served as a technical director at Digital Domain. Computer Graphics and how it all started
CG 101:A computer Graphics Industry Reference Terrence Masson: PUBLISHER:New Riders REVIEWED BY:Barbara RhoadesRead more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    2. Computer Graphics    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - General Information    6. Reference - General    7. Computer graphics software    8. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    9. Image processing    10. Reference works    11. History    12. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Anthropology - Physical    3. Archaeology    4. Archaeology / Anthropology    5. Computer simulation    6. Data Modeling & Design    7. Mathematical models    8. Social Science    9. Social evolution    10. Social history    11. Sociology    12. To 500    13. Biological anthropology    14. Life Sciences | Vertebrate Zoology | Primatology    15. Mathematical modelling    16. Primates    17. Social & cultural anthropology    18. Social Science / Archaeology   

Subjects:  1. Computer Programming +    2. Functional programming (Comput    3. Functional programming (Computer science)    4. Functional programming languag    5. Functional programming languages    6. History of ideas, intellectual history   

Reviews (4)

Fascinating as both a 'History of Ideas' and as biographical sketches
A truly excellent book. Both as a 'history of ideas' and in its consideration of the personal trials and tribulations faced by Leibniz, Frege, Boole, Hilbert, Cantor, Godel, and Turing. The book traces the development of the computer through the life and work of these logicians/mathematicians, from Leibniz's dream of a language of symbolic logic and a machine capable of producing and testing true propositions in that language. This book is relevant not only to philosophers, mathematicians, and computer scientists, but to writers who seek understanding of the relations between language and logic in the contemporary electronic landscape. It will also be a good read for anyone wishing to understand the intellectual atmospheres from which the computer arose.
Limits in computers
It may be initially hard to connect Leibniz's series or George Cantor's quest for infinite numbers to the modern computer, butDr. Davis does a masterful job of showing this logical progression.The progression continues to Godel and Turing, and from Turing to the modern computer. Paperback edition of "The Universal Computer"
This book has deservedly been reviewed in glowing 5-star terms in its hardcover version ("The Universal Computer"). This paperback edition is the same book. If you want to understand the ideas behind computers, this is the book for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Science    2. Computers - General Information    3. Discrete Mathematics    4. General    5. History    6. History & Philosophy    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Mathematical logic    10. Mathematical theory of computation    11. Popular science   

Reviews (3)

Good book, needs an update
One of the most influential books on MD and MC, a little outdated by theyear, a second edition would be welcome.

Could be better...
It is a good book in general, but i feel it assumes an intermediate to advanced level of knowledge of the subject. I recommend it with no hesitation.
It's the book to have if you want to learn computer simulation. It covers both Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics, from the start for the beginner. It also includes more advanced topics, but is definitely focused onstudying fluids and not solids. The code is written in Fortran. If youprogram in C I suggest Rapaport's book, but this one is a definite mustread. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - Chemical & Biochemical    2. Europe - Ireland    3. History    4. History: World    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Unassigned Title    7. Computer modelling & simulation    8. Ireland    9. Physical chemistry    10. Physics | Mathematical physics    11. Technology / Engineering / Chemical & Biochemical   

Reviews (2)

A Fascinating Look at the Origins of Important Languages
Until such time as someone tries to fill the shoes of Jean Sammet and write a new overview of programming languages (a major job, that!), the HOPL conferences are the main source of insight into the development of programming languages that, Sapir-Whorf style, have shaped the way we view programming and the problems we try to solve with a computer.Even if someone does take up that task, the HOPL conferences are invaluable, since they provide information straight from the people involved. Outstanding Collection of Resources
I have read many many computer jounrals about the history of computing. Very few resources have put the kind of time and effort that Thomas Bergin has done in his book. Along with assistant editor, RIck Gibson, both men doa fine job collecting the best of the best resourcesand giving it rightto the public upfront. I wish Bergin can do another book or somethingInternet related because this is truly apart of computing that we do notreally have much material on. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Programming Languages - General    2. Computers - Languages / Programming    3. Programming - General    4. Programming languages (Electro    5. Computers / Programming / General    6. History of engineering & technology    7. Programming languages    8. Computer Programming Languages    9. Programming languages (Electronic computers)    10. Computer Books: General    11. History   

Reviews (16)

Good overview, a little too much on the Garriott
Overall, the book provides a good overview of the evolution of the genre detailing the early use of university computing resources for covert sessions of SpaceWar, Adventure and Colossal Cave thru to the emergence of the Professional Gaming League.
True fans and gamers, it's must-read material
Very enjoyable and non-heavy book stretching back to Gygax and his crew of Chainmail folks up through the current crop of MMORPG play (yeah, Carmack and Romero and all those guys are in it too).A great read and a diverse one too, in that it discusses the technical issues of game development and game play, video games in a social context and under fire from concerned activists, and also a cool look at the personal lives of the key players who introduced the games themselves,Never boring, and although it's not a super heavy read it's got definite gems of inspiration and insight.It's well written and engaging. If you're a fan, (especially if you had a C64/Atari/Pong and spent time with the 20 sided die) it's a must have.Lots of fun! I'd disregard the 1-star bad review (if you read past page 14, it gets much more interesting Kathy82...that goes for most books, btw).

WHOA!!!
This book taught me alot about how the games got started and how video, board, and pen and paper games bring people to gether if any ones looking for an interesting read this is for you. im going to buy and apple2 just so i can play some of those games. ITS GREAT! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Games    3. Games    4. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    5. Games/Puzzles    6. History    7. Popular Culture - General    8. Programming    9. Video & Electronic - General    10. Video games    11. Popular culture    12. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Subjects:  1. Computer Systems    2. Engineering - General    3. Expert systems (Computer scien    4. Expert systems (Computer science)    5. General    6. History    7. Industrial Technology    8. Management Information Systems    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Systems Engineering    12. History of engineering & technology    13. History of science    14. Management decision making    15. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    16. Science / History    17. Systems analysis & design    18. Systems management   

Reviews (3)

Excellent Resource
I am a current architecture student in college and found this book to be a wondrful resource. So often, as students, we are urged to look at precedents to learn how other architects have solved problems, or designed for a certain climate, or what materials they used for different projects. This book provides a good insight to many famous projects by many different architects and is a good read. It also comes with scaled drawings of each project on a CD-ROM which is also a nice bonus.

Great Teaching Resource
This book is valuable for anyone in Architecture education at any level. The accompanying CD provides .DXF files that can be used by a variety of CAD/3D software programs.
great resource, information not 100% complete
i was very excited about this book but was dissapointed to find not all the drawings in the book are included in the cd-rom. you shouldn't trust the eps files, but make your own from the dxf's. some eps files are incomplete, at least when opened from photoshop.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Architectural drawing    3. Architecture    4. Buildings    5. Computer-aided design    6. Designs and plans    7. History    8. History - Specific Styles    9. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Illustrations of Internet Activism in Use
If books like Howard Rheingold's Smart Mobs but found it to be a little too thin on examples of actual application, this book would provide excellent follow-up reading.CyberActivisim: Online Activism in Theory and Practice is a comprehensive collection of eleven research articles that includes such diverse topics as captology (use of computers in persuasion), online communities, Cyberprotesting, "Social" network analysis of activist organizations reachable via the Internet, and the influence of online interaction on identity and collective identity. Community, Collaboration, and the Free Exchange of Ideas
Cyberactivism: Online Activism in Theory and Practice illuminates many current vectors in online activism, never losing sight of the big picture. Martha McCaughy and Michael D. Ayers have assembled a stellar collection of scholarly essays. Sitting at the intersection of virtual and corporeal, theory and praxis, Cyberactivism observes the brief history, the current actions, and the future implications of online activism. Read more

Subjects:  1. Computers - General Information    2. History & Theory - General    3. History & Theory - Radical Thought    4. Information Technology    5. Internet    6. Political aspects    7. Protest movements    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Social Aspects    10. Social movements    11. Technology    12. Political activism   

Editorial Review

Alan Turing died in 1954, but the themes of his life epitomize the turn of the millennium. A pure mathematician from a tradition that prided itself on its impracticality, Turing laid the foundations for modern computer science, writes Andrew Hodges:Read more

Reviews (19)

interesting portrait of a compelling misfit
The book is well titled as the real Alan Turing was an enigma to many of those who knew him and perhaps even to himself.It is another example of how genius moves to its own rhythms and manages to get noticed in spite of itself. A scientifically useful biography
I read part of this book in 1985 while trying to understand chaotic orbits. The problem was to understand how an orbit can be deterministic and apparently random. When I read Hodges' description of the Turing machine then I realized that it is easy to answer the question, and was able to write down the answer: one simply digitizes the map or ode, initial condition, and all the control parameters in some base of arithmetic, and then studies the action of a (digitized) positive Liapunov exponent on a digit string. I can't comment on the rest of the book, but Hodges does a very good job of presenting Turing's ideas of computable numbers and computable functions. When my collaborator Palmore read the description I refer to here, he said that he nearly fell out of his chair. We solved the problem of computability of chaotic orbits in that era together. Good biography, perhaps too long.
If you consider to read this book in order to know about Alan Turing's life, definetely this is the book. In it you will learn about the code breakers, about the WWII spy technology and also about the science aplied to War, however, when I read it I found out that sometimes too many pages (550) can make it boring (more than 20 pages dedicate about how to build a subroutine in a program, more than 20 pages about homosexuality laws, more than 20 pages about historic information from India). Being so detailed makes sometimes forget about the main issue. That is why I didn't give it 5 stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1912-1954    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Computer Science (General)    7. General    8. Great Britain    9. History    10. History & Philosophy    11. Mathematicians    12. Mathematicians And Their Works    13. Military - World War II    14. Scientists - General    15. Turing, Alan Mathison,    16. Biography & Autobiography / Science & Technology    17. Turing, Alan Mathison