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Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

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Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#131

Post by coleca »

Since Show Stopper was already mentioned and I didn't see this one mentioned, so I'll throw this one out there:

Fatal Defect by Ivars Peterson https://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Defect-Chasing-Killer-Computer/...

It's a few stories about the impact software bugs can have on real life. For example, the THERAC-25 bug that literally killed people.

It's been eons since I read the book, but I recall a passage about how computer scientists had been so opposed to Reagan's Star Wars program, Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), not because it's a war machine, but because it was so complex that there would be no way to be sure it was bug free. I'm sure it was more nuanced than that but that's my 20+ year recollection of that part of the book.

Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#132

Post by jtms »

eyegor wrote: post #80

Code: the hidden language of computer hardware and software, by Charles Petzold. It's a modern classic (2000). It's less technical and more about the history behind the idea/theories of coding itself. It also explains some basic principles of how computers work, at a high level. Very well written.

This is one of my favorite books of all time out of all books, not just tech. No other book has had a more profound impact on how I look at and relate to those (previously) mysterious chunks of metal and plastic that we all spend so much time in front of now.

Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#133

Post by faitswulff »

Not a book, but Oxide Computing's podcast, "On the Metal" interviews a lot of interesting people in computing: https://oxide.computer/podcast/

I found it both entertaining and informative and if you're looking for something to kill time while you exercise, this is a good option.

Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#135

Post by pjbk »

Since these have not been mentioned already:

* Brian Bagnall trilogy on the history of Commodore/Amiga: http://variantpress.com

* Severo Ornstein's "Computing in the Middle Ages", about how it used to be a professional programmer back in the early days. You can find his CHM oral history interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q243lfVdQ9E.

* "Stan Veit's History of the Personal Computer". A candid view about how the PC industry unfolded.

* "Introduction to Algorithms" by Udi Manber. IMHO one of the best books about how to approach problems with a programmer's mindset.

Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#136

Post by jakkals »

khaledh wrote: post #74

The Dream Machine: J.C.R. Licklider and the Revolution That Made Computing Personal It's an extremely well written book, starting from the very beginning at the time of WWII, tracing people, ideas, struggles, and achievements of great milestones in computer history. It's not your typical dry historical material, but somehow the author made it personal through the eyes of key people that influenced important computer…

I borrowed this book from the library, but before I finished it I bought it, I liked it that much. In short, I very much agree with this recommendation.

Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#137

Post by pjbk »

elviejo wrote: post #47

"Let it go" by Madame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley Creating a software company 100% remote 99% women In the 1960s!!!! How was it possible?? Easy "programmers" programmed flawless programs in their homes with pencil. Which would later be typed in Punch cards in the "office". She also struggled family life raising a heavily autistic son, when the condition wasn't well understood. And then became a philantophist. I think e…

I second this one. That book was awesome, as well as her story.

Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#138

Post by cptnapalm »

Mongoose wrote: post #35

Highly recommend A History of Modern Computing [1]. Starting with the ENIAC in the '40s through the successive generations of computing technology in the 20th century, it gives a fantastic overview of the field's history. Sadly, now that I look into it, it looks like it's out of print. There are a few copies available on Amazon, so act now! [1] https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/history-modern-computing

There's apparently a second edition which goes up through the dot com crash.

https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/history-modern-computing-seco...

Re: Ask HN: Computer Science/History Books?

#139

Post by homarp »

gxqoz wrote: post #126
homarp wrote: post #104

Earlier quoted context omitted.

on the PLATO book, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15784052 has interesting comments from the author. On PLATO itself, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16615420 While i'm at it, the book 'Minitel, Welcome to the Internet' - https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/minitel is about the history of the french Minitel (previous HN discussion on the Minitel - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14681561 )

That Minitel book is okay, but I didn't get too much out of it that wasn't on an early Reply All podcast episode.

this one https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/8whoda ? "In the early 80's, way before the world wide web existed, the French government shipped a $200 terminal to every home with a phone line, and created a service that for decades ran alongside the internet. It was called The Minitel. Producer Carla Green speaks to reporter Jean-Marc Manach, who, in the early 90's, made a living posing as a woman in sex chat rooms on Minitel. "
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