Computer
| Author/creator | Atkinson, Paul Author |
| Format | Electronic |
| Publication Info | London : Reaktion Books, Limited Chicago : Chicago Distribution Center [Distributor] |
| Description | 256 p. ill 20.800 x 015.600 cm. |
| Supplemental Content | Full text available from Computer Science Database |
| Supplemental Content | Full text available from Advanced Technologies & Aerospace Database |
| Supplemental Content | Full text available from ProQuest Central |
| Supplemental Content | Full text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete |
| Subjects |
| Series | Reaktion Books - Objekt Ser. |
| Summary | Annotation The pixelated rectangle we spend most of our day staring at in silence is not the television as many long feared, but the computerthe ubiquitous portal of work and personal lives. At this point, the computer is almost so common we dont notice it in our view. Its difficult to envision that not that long ago it was a gigantic, room-sized structure only to be accessed by a few inspiring as much awe and respect as fear and mystery. Now that the machine has decreased in size and increased in popular use, the computer has become a prosaic appliance, little-more noted than a toaster. These dramatic changes, from the daunting to the ordinary, are captured inComputerby design historian Paul Atkinson.Here, Atkinson chronicles the changes in physical design of the computer and shows how these changes in design are related to changes in popular attitude. Atkinson is fascinated by how the computer has been represented and promoted in advertising. For example, in contrast to ads from the 1970s and 80s, todays PC is very PCgenderless, and largely status free.Computeralso considers the role of the computer as a cultural touchstone, as evidenced by its regular appearance in popular culture, including the iconography of the space age, HAL from2001: A Space Odyssey, James Bonds gadgetry, and Stars War and Star Trek.Computercovers many issues ignored by other histories of computing, which have focused on technology and the economics involved in their production, but rarely on the role of fashion in the physical design and promotion of computers and their general reception. The book will appeal to professionals and students of design and technology as well as those interested in the history of computers and how they have shapedand been shaped byour lives. |
| Access restriction | Available only to authorized users. |
| Technical details | Mode of access: World Wide Web |
| Genre/form | Electronic books. |
| ISBN | 9781861896643 |
| ISBN | 1861896646 (Trade Paper) Active Record |
| Standard identifier# | 9781861896643 |
| Stock number | 00314465 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Resources | ✔ Available |