The classic guide to how computers work, updated with new chapters and interactive graphics "For me, Code was a revelation. It was the first book about programming that spoke to me. It started with a story, and it built up, layer by layer, analogy by analogy, until I understood not just the Code, but the System. Code is a book that is as much about Systems Thinking and abstractions as it is about code and programming. Code teaches us how many unseen layers there are between the computer systems that we as users look at every day and the magical silicon rocks that we infused with lightning and taught to think." - Scott Hanselman, Partner Program Director, Microsoft, and host of Hanselminutes Computers are everywhere, most obviously in our laptops and smartphones, but also our cars, televisions, microwave ovens, alarm clocks, robot vacuum cleaners, and other smart appliances. Have you ever wondered what goes on inside these devices to make our lives easier but occasionally more infuriating? For more than 20 years, readers have delighted in Charles Petzold's illuminating story of the secret inner life of computers, and now he has revised it for this new age of computing. Cleverly illustrated and easy to understand, this is the book that cracks the mystery. You'll discover what flashlights, black cats, seesaws, and the ride of Paul Revere can teach you about computing, and how human ingenuity and our compulsion to communicate have shaped every electronic device we use. This new expanded edition explores more deeply the bit-by-bit and gate-by-gate construction of the heart of every smart device, the central processing unit that combines the simplest of basic operations to perform the most complex of feats. Petzold's companion website, CodeHiddenLanguage.com, uses animated graphics of key circuits in the book to make computers even easier to comprehend. In addition to substantially revised and updated content, new chapters include: Chapter 18: Let's Build a Clock! Chapter 21: The Arithmetic Logic Unit Chapter 22: Registers and Busses Chapter 23: CPU Control Signals Chapter 24: Jumps, Loops, and Calls Chapter 28: The World Brain From the simple ticking of clocks to the worldwide hum of the internet, Code reveals the essence of the digital revolution.
Foundations of Computer Technology is an easily accessible introduction to the architecture of computers and peripherals. This textbook clearly and completely explains modern computer systems through an approach that integrates components, systems, software, and design. It provides a succinct, systematic, and readable guide to computers, providing a springboard for students to pursue more detailed technology subjects. This volume focuses on hardware elements within a computer system and the impact of software on its architecture. It discusses practical aspects of computer organization (structure, behavior, and design) delivering the necessary fundamentals for electrical engineering and computer science students. The book not only lists a wide range of terms, but also explains the basic operations of components within a system, aided by many detailed illustrations. Material on modern technologies is combined with a historical perspective, delivering a range of articles on hardware, architecture and software, programming methodologies, and the nature of operating systems. It also includes a unified treatment on the entire computing spectrum, ranging from microcomputers to supercomputers. Each section features learning objectives and chapter outlines. Small glossary entries define technical terms and each chapter ends with an alphabetical list of key terms for reference and review. Review questions also appear at the end of each chapter and project questions inspire readers to research beyond the text. Short, annotated bibliographies direct students to additional useful reading.
Digital technology has radically altered the way in which we live and work, but has not had a substantial impact on education. Ubiquitous Computing in Education explores the educational potential of ubiquitous computing initiatives that make digital tools available to students and teachers. Combining theory, research, and practice, this volume paints a broad picture of the field of ubiquitous computing in education, which focuses on the availability of digital tools for teachers and students to use anywhere and anytime to support teaching and learning. The book illustrates how to use theory and research to enhance technology integration, teaching practices, and student achievement. The significance of ubiquitous computing for teaching and learning is highlighted, as the text discusses why it is important, what it looks like, what the research tells us about it, and how ubiquitous computing can work in different types of learning environments today and in years to come. This book is of interest to researchers and graduate students in educational technology, as well as teachers, administrators, policymakers, and industry leaders who can use the text to make essential decisions related to their respective roles in education.
The cry for and against computers in the classroom is a topic of concern to parents, educators, and communities everywhere. Now, from a Silicon Valley hero and bestselling technology writer comes a pointed critique of the hype surrounding computers and their real benefits, especially in education. In High-Tech Heretic, Clifford Stoll questions the relentless drumbeat for "computer literacy" by educators and the computer industry, particularly since most people just use computers for word processing and games--and computers become outmoded or obsolete much sooner than new textbooks or a good teacher. As one who loves computers as much as he disdains the inflated promises made on their behalf, Stoll offers a commonsense look at how we can make a technological world better suited for people, instead of making people better suited to using machines.
Emerging Technologies in Computing: Theory, Practice, and Advances reviews the past, current, and future needs of technologies in the computer science field while it also discusses the emerging importance of appropriate practices, advances, and their impact. It outlines emerging technologies and their principles, challenges, and applications as well as issues involved in the digital age. With the rapid development of technologies, it becomes increasingly important for us to remain up to date on new and emerging technologies. It draws a clear illustration for all those who have a strong interest in emerging computing technologies and their impacts on society. Features: Includes high-quality research work by academicians and industrial experts in the field of computing Offers case studies related to Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Multimedia Big Data, Blockchain, Augmented Reality, Data Science, Robotics, Cybersecurity, 3D Printing, Voice Assistants and Chatbots, and Future Communication Networks Serves as a valuable reference guide for anyone seeking knowledge about where future computing is heading
A great technological and scientific innovation of the last half of the 20th century, the computer has revolutionised how we organise information, how we communicate with each other, and the way we think about the human mind. This book offers a short history of this dynamic technology, covering its central themes since ancient times.