
A history of computing technology
by Michael R. Williams · first published 1985
3mentions
2recommended by
3HN commenters
2014–2022first – last mentioned
67% recommend33% neutral
This second edition of the popular reference and textbook outlines the historical developments in computing technology. It describes historical aspects of calculation and concentrates on the physical devices used to aid people in their attempts at automating the process of arithmetic.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Michael R. Williams' "A History of Computing Technology" ( ISBN-13: 978-0818677397 ) talks a lot about pre-electronic-computer technologies and techniques for calculation and information management. It's a solid suggestion for history of computing books in…
on “Ask HN: Best way to learn about computing history?” ↗Another vote that both of these are great books - richly informative, classics of history of computing/technology. I own hardcover 1st editions of both.
on “Free Classic Books by MIT Press on Archive.org” ↗…50s) https://archive.org/details/FasterThanThought 1984, The Home Computer Wars (Commodore, Atari, Apple) https://archive.org/details/The_Home_Computer_Wars http://www.amazon.com/The-Home-Computer-Wars-Commodore/dp/09... 1985, History of Computing Technology, Michael Williams (Abacus to IBM360) http://www.amazon.com/History-Computing-Technology-2nd-Editi... 1985, The Great Telecom Meltdown, Fred Goldstein (USA deregulation) http://massis.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/TELECOM_Digest_On...…
on “Thoughts on the culture that gave birth to the personal computer (2013)” ↗