This book gives a complete and systematic account of the I/O software system of minicomputers, the writing of new drivers and privileged processes to perform I/O operations. This book should be ideal for researchers and professionals who have a general understanding of the nature of programming and assembly language. It enables the readers to transfer their expertise readily to other computers and also prepares them for employment as I/O software engineers.
An essential contribution to the study of the history of computers, this work identifies the computer's impact on the physical, biological, cognitive, and medical sciences. References fundamental to the understudied area of the history of scientific computing also document the significant role of the sciences in helping to shape the development of computer technology. More broadly, the many resources on scientific computing help demonstrate how the computer was the most significant scientific instrument of the 20th century. The only guide of its kind covering the use and impact of computers on the the physical, biological, medical, and cognitive sciences, it contains more than 1,000 annotated citations to carefully selected secondary and primary resources. Historians of technology and science will find this a very useful resource. Computer scientists, physicians, biologists, chemists, and geologists will also benefit from this extensive bibliography on the history of computer applications and the sciences.
Tracy Kidder's "riveting" (Washington Post) story of one company's efforts to bring a new microcomputer to market won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award and has become essential reading for understanding the history of the American tech industry. Computers have changed since 1981, when The Soul of a New Machine first examined the culture of the computer revolution. What has not changed is the feverish pace of the high-tech industry, the go-for-broke approach to business that has caused so many computer companies to win big (or go belly up), and the cult of pursuing mind-bending technological innovations. The Soul of a New Machine is an essential chapter in the history of the machine that revolutionized the world in the twentieth century. "Fascinating...A surprisingly gripping account of people at work." --Wall Street Journal
Computer Engineering: A DEC View of Hardware Systems Design focuses on the principles, progress, and concepts in the design of hardware systems. The selection first elaborates on the seven views of computer systems, technology progress in logic and memories, and packaging and manufacturing. Concerns cover power supplies, DEC computer packaging generations, general packaging, semiconductor logic technology, memory technology, measuring (and creating) technology progress, structural levels of a computer system, and packaging levels-of -integration. The manuscript then examines transistor circuitry in the Lincoln TX-2, digital modules, PDP-1 and other 18-bit computers, PDP-8 and other 12-bit computers, and structural levels of the PDP-8. The text takes a look at cache memories for PDP-11 family computers, buses, DEC LSI-11, and design decisions for the PDP-11/60 mid-range minicomputer. Topics include reliability and maintainability, price/performance balance, advances in memory technology, synchronization of data transfers, error control strategies, PDP-11/45, PDP-11/20, and cache organization. The selection is a fine reference for practicing computer designers, users, programmers, designers of peripherals and memories, and students of computer engineering and computer science.
Minicomputers illustrate some of the potential pitfalls and benefits that can be gained if a minicomputer system is chosen wisely. This book is divided into five chapters—introduction, software, programming, selecting the minicomputer system, and applications. This text specifically discusses the advantages of the minicomputer, peripheral devices for minicomputer systems, arithmetical software, and operating systems. The nature of programming language, typical minicomputer assembly language functions, and feasibility study are also elaborated. This monograph likewise covers the preparation of tender, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) applications, and unusual applications of minicomputers. This publication is beneficial to all potential users such as scientists, research workers, process control engineers, and business managers, including educationalists concerned with computer education.
