Marc Andreessen and the Development of the Web Browser (Unlocking the Secrets of Science)

Tracy, Kathleen

ISBN 10: 1584150920 ISBN 13: 9781584150923

Publisher: Mitchell Lane Pub Inc, 2001

Synopsis

A biography of the computer programmer who, as a college student, developed the first graphical Internet browser, a user-friendly program to better access the World Wide Web.

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Reviews

Gr 5-8-Tracy opens with an explanation of how Cold War communication needs led to the development of the ARPANET, the forerunner of what would eventually become the Internet. She then traces Andreessen's childhood and education, emphasizing his enduring fascination with computers. She also discusses his work at the University of Illinois where he helped create Mosaic, the first Web browser to make the Internet accessible to the general public, and explains how his disappointment with the handling of its marketing led to his development of the competing Netscape Navigator. She briefly describes his battle with Microsoft over supremacy in the Web-browser market and also details his latest Internet venture, Loudcloud. The author is admiring of her subject, emphasizing his creativity and philanthropy. Full-page photos of Andreessen and other computer innovators add little to the text, but there is a good list for further reading with both print and Internet resources. Although this book would serve report writers, it is often dry and will not hold the interest of general readers. Tracy fails to capture Andreessen's passion for the Internet or how his competitive nature influenced his legal battle with Microsoft. Daniel Ehrenhaft's Marc Andreessen (21st Century, 2001) provides a better picture of the man's unique personality and tells his story in a much more compelling manner.

Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Mitchell Lane Pub Inc
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1584150920
• ISBN 13: 9781584150923
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 48