Synopses & Reviews
From handheld smart phones to vast scientific simulators, computers are developing at ever-increasing speed. In The Computer, uber-technogeek Mark Frauenfelder traces the evolution of this vital machine from its earliest roots through its exciting application in code-breaking during the Second World War, and from its initial use in the workplace and home to its current status as a ubiquitousandmdash;and increasingly portableandmdash;part of twenty-first century existence. This highly illustrated social history of the computer examines its profound impact on every sphere of life.
About the Author
Mark Frauenfelder is a former editor of Wired, the cutting-edge and award-winning magazine launched in 1993 to cover the digital revolution, and the founding editor-in-chief of Wired Online. In 1988 he and his wife cofounded Boing Boing, a zine about pop culture and fun with technology. Mark wrote a monthly column for Playboy called andquot;Living Onlineandquot;;and#160;was coeditor of The Happy Mutant Handbookand#160;(Riverhead Trade),and#160;a do-it-yourself handbook for enjoying our media-saturated world; and author of The Mad Professorand#160;(Chronicle Books).and#160;His articles about technology and culture have appeared in Wired, the New York Times Magazine, Popular Science, MIT Technology Review, Playboy, Business 2.0, and the Industry Standard.