World of Computing A Primer Companion for the Digital Age
This engaging work provides a concise introduction to the exciting world of computing, encompassing the theory, technology, history, and societal impact of computer software and computing devices. Spanning topics from global conflict to home gaming, inter
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World of Computing A Primer Companion for the Digital Age
World of Computing
Gerard O’Regan
World of Computing A Primer Companion for the Digital Age
123
Gerard O’Regan SQC Consulting Mallow, Cork Ireland
ISBN 978-3-319-75843-5 ISBN 978-3-319-75844-2 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75844-2
(eBook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018932550 © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Printed on acid-free paper This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer International Publishing AG part of Springer Nature The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
To Kevin Crowley For lifelong friendship
Preface
Overview The objective of this book is to provide a concise introduction to the world of computing to students and general readers. The computing field is a vast area and so it is not possible to cover every area of computing, or to cover every topic in detail. Therefore, the goal is to give the reader a flavour of some of the important areas of computing, and to stimulate the reader to study the more advanced articles and books that are available.
Organisation and Features Chapter 1 introduces analog and digital computers, and the von Neumann architecture which is the fundamental architecture underlying a digital computer. Chapter 2 discusses the foundations of computing, and we describe the binary number system and the Step Reckoner calculating machine that were invented by Leibniz. Babbage designed the Difference Engine as a machine to evaluate polynomials, and his Analytic Engine provided the vision of a modern computer. Boole was an English mathematician who made important contributions to mathematics and logic, and his symbolic logic is the foundation for digital computing. Chapter 3 presents a concise history of compu
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