The Road From Leibniz to Turing: A Journey Through the History of Computing

The Road From Leibniz to Turing is a comprehensive history of computing, from the earliest mechanical devices to the modern digital age. Author Robert S. Woodbury provides a detailed and engaging account of the people, ideas, and inventions that have shaped the development of computing.

The Universal Computer: The Road from Leibniz to Turing, Third Edition

by Wolfgang Fischer

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5615 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages

FREE

The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers the prehistory of computing, from the abacus to the mechanical calculator. The second part covers the development of the computer as a general-purpose machine, from the Analytical Engine to the ENIAC. The third part covers the development of the digital computer, from the EDSAC to the modern personal computer.

Woodbury's writing is clear and concise, and he does an excellent job of explaining complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical readers. The book is also well-illustrated, with numerous diagrams and photographs that help to visualize the concepts being discussed.

The Prehistory of Computing

The earliest known computing devices were the abacus and the mechanical calculator. The abacus is a simple device that uses beads on rods to represent numbers. It has been used for thousands of years to perform basic arithmetic operations. The mechanical calculator is a more complex device that uses gears and levers to perform mathematical operations. It was first invented in the 17th century, and it remained the primary computing device until the development of the electronic computer in the 20th century.

The Development of the Computer as a General-Purpose Machine

The development of the computer as a general-purpose machine began with the work of Charles Babbage in the 19th century. Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, which was a mechanical computer that could be programmed to perform a variety of tasks. However, the Analytical Engine was never completed, and it was not until the development of the electronic computer in the 20th century that a truly general-purpose computer was realized.

The first electronic computer was the ENIAC, which was developed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946. The ENIAC was a massive machine that weighed over 30 tons and contained over 18,000 vacuum tubes. However, it was also the first computer that could be programmed to perform a wide variety of tasks.

The Development of the Digital Computer

The development of the digital computer began with the work of John von Neumann in the 1940s. Von Neumann developed the stored-program concept, which allows a computer to store its program in its own memory. This concept made it possible to develop computers that could be programmed to perform a wide variety of tasks without having to be rewired.

The first digital computer was the EDSAC, which was developed at the University of Cambridge in 1949. The EDSAC was a much smaller and less powerful machine than the ENIAC, but it was the first computer to use the stored-program concept.

The development of the digital computer continued rapidly throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In 1954, IBM introduced the 704, which was the first commercial electronic computer. In 1958, Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce invented the integrated circuit, which made it possible to build computers that were smaller, faster, and more reliable than ever before.

The development of the personal computer began in the 1970s with the of the Altair 8800. The Altair 8800 was a small, inexpensive computer that was sold in kit form. It was followed by a number of other personal computers, including the Apple II, the Commodore 64, and the IBM PC.

The personal computer revolutionized the way that people use computers. For the first time, people could have their own computers at home, and they could use them for a variety of purposes, including word processing, spreadsheets, and games.

The Modern Digital Age

The modern digital age began in the 1990s with the of the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web is a global network of computers that allows people to share information and communicate with each other. The World Wide Web has revolutionized the way that people learn, work, and play.

The development of the digital computer has continued rapidly in the 21st century. In 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone, which was the first smartphone. Smartphones are small, portable computers that can be used for a variety of purposes, including making phone calls, sending text messages, and browsing the Internet.

The development of the digital computer is still ongoing, and it is impossible to predict what the future holds. However, it is clear that the digital computer has had a profound impact on the world, and it is likely to continue to play a major role in our lives for many years to come.

The Road From Leibniz to Turing is a comprehensive and engaging history of computing. The book provides a detailed account of the people, ideas, and inventions that have shaped the development of computing, from the earliest mechanical devices to the modern digital age. Woodbury's writing is clear and concise, and he does an excellent job of explaining complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical readers. The book is also well-illustrated, with numerous diagrams and photographs that help to visualize the concepts being discussed.

The Road From Leibniz to Turing is an essential read for anyone who is interested in the history of computing. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the field, and it is written in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

The Universal Computer: The Road from Leibniz to Turing, Third Edition

by Wolfgang Fischer

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5615 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages

FREE