Synopsis.
An older man writes about his experiences from the early days of computer science until 2004. At that time, it was not recognized for a long time what a gigantic transformation it would bring to human history. Successes of IT and thereby also the usual 'flops' as well as its own will be described as subjectively as possible. It is attempted by non-technical examples and 'parables' and precise translation of the computer-specific terms to make the whole 'thing' for laymen in this area more 'digestible'. The inevitable upcoming associations resulted in writing down human anecdotes, amusing episodes, and descriptions of picturesque situations. But he soon returns to reality and his own 'theses' and 'philosophic' illusions. With a laugh, tears, and a blinking eye, he now says to his 'buddies': Goodbye. We had an excellent time.
Impressum.
This book is the fifth version of the same title, which was first published in March 2021. The major changes are the correction of spelling, grammar, and typographical errors.
The dialogues were rewritten to clarify the situation, which was caused by the fact that the author used the 'he' form throughout the book. Minor technical faults, ambiguities, and wrong historical and chronological 'facts' were corrected.
The cover was completely redesigned. The title was slightly changed; The word ‘other’ is now in capital letters.
However, the content of the book stayed the same.
Please note that English is not the author's native language. He is fully aware that the applied writing style is very personal. And so are his handling of sentences, forms, and punctuation marks: Very liberal.
The book was triggered by a conversation between the author with his son. Thank you, Stephan, for your motivation
Thanks also to my co-worker Werner Knecht for his important additions.
The services from Google, Wikipedia, and PONS were much appreciated. The help from Grammarly and LanguageTool was pertinent.
Copyright:
Hans Bodmer
All rights reserved.
Set and cover design; Hans Bodmer
Foto page 3: Picture of Hans Bodmer (presentation film from 1965 for the CDC6600 at CERN https://videos.cern.ch/record/43172)
Production and publishing: Books on Demand GmbH, Norderstedt, Germany
ISBN 9783754352670
Reiview1
A passionate, engrossing, and detailed guide…
Bodmer writes a lively account of his own experience from the very early days of computer evolution in his debut. He vigorously and lucidly details the initial days of computer science, his first job as a data transmission device mechanic in Swiss Army Air Force and later as a programmer in Zurich, and his time in Paris, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Along the way, he covers the beginning of the computer era (the term ‘computer’ was vaguely used and they were called electronic data processing machines instead.), to the famous disc storage unit CDC 6603, the Supercomputer, its architecture and hardware, to the introduction of software and networks. He writes in engaging prose and is excellent when it comes to explaining many detailed technical descriptions. Bodmer’s individual stories are deeply engaging, and the accompanied pictures beautifully detail all kinds of old electronic devices. Readers curious about the early days of computer technology will find The Other Computer History a doggedly cleareyed guide to computer’s history.
Review 2.
5,0 von 5 Sternen I enjoyed reading this book.
Rezension aus den Vereinigten Staaten vom 11. Oktober 2022
I enjoyed reading “The OTHER Computer History... Amazing, amusing, and experienced ‘Stories’ around the Computer Science from 1959-2004" by Hans Bodmer, who in my opinion, is a remarkable author with a wide knowledge of the IT and the vast world of evolving technology.
I liked the way the author relates his personal stories, provides pictures, and explains this historic era of the history of computers and the development of technology. He shares very interesting and amusing stories making it a pleasure to read about the author's experiences in his IT career.
In my view, this highly intelligent author writes clearly, and succinctly and says a great deal using an economy of words in an entertaining way. I liked his writing style especially since he adds a touch of humor. For example, here is a brief excerpt about being fired at the age of 50,
“He had to dig up long, unused job references, write long job applications, turn his thumbs, and drink as little beer as possible. There was not enough money for a humble glass of wine. This might even be better for his health. But giving up smoking the cheapest available cigar he did not achieve. What else was the life worth living for? He was not frequently called for an interview. Why? He was overqualified. And, up to this point, too well paid. He had throughout knowledge in nearly all the domains of IT. He was multilingual and had now very good references. The customers he was supporting wrote about his excellent job qualifications and recommended him highly to future employers. In vain!
But suddenly, a little shimmer oflight appeared…”
I also like the honesty and accuracy of the book. Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Pearl S. Buck, once said, “If you want tounderstand today you have to search yesterday.” And I felt that is what this book exactly does.
After reading the book, it made me reflect and wonder what the future holds as even more, and more advancements are being made every day. I also liked the way the author deals with many technical subjects all of which are concisely and clearly discussed. And, in my opinion, this author has created a highly useful historical guide to this era making it easier to understand the new advances being made every day.
This book won an award in the 17th Creative Aging Foundation competition.
