Digitized: The Science of Computers and How It Shapes Our World

by Peter J. Bentley

-Covers the whole of computer science - from maths to engineering to social sciences - to understand how all aspects of computing are related
-Tells the story of computers through interview of past pioneers and current researchers
-Explains even the most complicated aspects of computer science in easy-to-read language
-Provides not only the historical context and motivation behind past discoveries, but also explains the cutting edge research from the laboratory and considers the future of computers

Genres: Computers, Technology, Science, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2012

About the author

Dr Peter Bentley is an Honorary Reader and Senior College Teacher at the Department of Computer Science, University College London and is known for his research covering all aspects of Evolutionary Computation and Digital Biology. He is the author of the popular science books Digital Biology, The Undercover Scientist and Digitized, and editor of the books Evolutionary Design by Computers, Creative Evolutionary Systems and On Growth, Form and Computers.

Reviews

[Adrian Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thorough and clear review of the early years of the development of computers and computer science.

[Levina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book and not only because I come from a computer or technology field but also because I liked Peter Bentley's approach to outlining the major developments of the history of computers. He has included vivid backstories of those innovative thinkers and the connections between each other. These were so seamlessly intertwined that I could practically see the documentary and hear the voice over in my head.

[Alexi Parizeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic (and lucid) summary of computer science! Loved the tidbits of history as well!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but a lot of this went over my head. I should have known better from the title, but I was just looking for a book that would explain how the internet works/what it is.

[Cynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my field. Wanted to have more of a clue of how my computer works. I do. Okay read for non-technical people with some imagination.

[Knowledge Nutrition · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating introduction to computer science and really well written.