Understanding Computers - Softcover

Crowley, T.H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0070147612 ISBN 13: 9780070147614

Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 1967

Synopsis

This book makes it possible for a non-technical reader to understand how modern digital computers operate, what they can and can't do, and how they are affecting our society. The book emphasizes the idea of a symbol and its interpretation; it is made very clear just what is manipulated in a computer. The basic functions of memory, control, processing, input, and output are explained, and the devices which are used in a computer to perform these functions are discussed without going to a level to detail requiring any technical background.

In order to introduce the ideas of an instruction set and a program of instructions, an imaginary computer is described in detail. Modern methods for making computers easier to use are discussed, and some of the difficulties involved in using a computer are pointed out with examples. Although it is not possible to come up with simple answers to the complex problems which computers present to society, the understanding of computers provided by this volume should help in the evaluation of any proposed solutions.

Thomas H. Crowley is Director of the Computing Science Research Center at Bell Telephone Laboratories, INc. He is co-author of Modern Communications, author of a chapter in Penguin Technology Survey 1966, and has written numerous technical papers.

Edition details

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill
• Publication date: 1967
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0070147612
• ISBN 13: 9780070147614
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 142