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Computers -- Popular works Books
Best books
Edmund Callis Berkeley
Giant brains; or, Machines that think
"Giant Brains; or, Machines That Think" by Edmund Callis Berkeley is a scientific publication written in the late 1940s. The book delves into the evolution and functionality of early computers, proposing the notion that these machines can perform tasks akin to human thinking. It discusses various types of computing machines, their significance in advancing knowledge, and explores the implications of computers in society. At the start of the book, the author outlines the purpose and scope of the text, emphasizing the advent of machines capable of complex calculations and reasoning. Berkeley introduces the concept of mechanical brains, describing how they process and manage information with remarkable efficiency, often surpassing human capabilities. The opening portion sets the stage for deeper discussions on the design of specific machines, the nature of thinking, and the future foundations of intelligent machinery.
D. S. (Daniel Stephen) Halacy
Computers—the machines we think with
"Computers—the Machines We Think With" by D. S. Halacy, Jr. is a scientific publication written in the early 1960s. The book explores the impact and rapid development of computers, discussing their applications in various fields like banking, industry, and scientific research. Halacy addresses the technology behind these machines and their potential to enhance human capabilities, portraying computers as integral to the modern age. At the start of the book, Halacy emphasizes the vast capabilities of electronic computers, detailing how they perform millions of operations in mere seconds and facilitate tasks across many sectors, such as banking and military defense. The opening introduces various applications of computers and machinery in automating tasks, from complex calculations to managing logistics in industries. It also touches on the history of their evolution, hinting at both the promise and challenges of integrating computers into everyday life and societal structures.
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