William Aspray Boeken

William Aspray provides the first broad and detailed account of von Neumann's many different contributions to computing.

This compact history traces the computer industry from 1950s mainframes, through establishment of standards beginning in 1965, to personal computing in the 1980s and the Internet's explosive growth since 1995. Martin Campbell- Kelly and Daniel Garcia-Swartz describe a steady trend toward miniaturization and explain its consequences.

Focusing on the year 1920 in the United States, this microhistory explores the multifaceted roles of information in society. By examining traditional historical themes like farming, government bureaucracy, the Spanish flu pandemic, and Prohibition, it highlights how information influenced these areas. Additionally, it delves into information-rich sectors such as libraries, schools, financial services, and scientific research, providing a nuanced understanding of the era's informational landscape. This approach sheds light on the interconnectedness of various societal elements during a pivotal time.

The book explores the evolution of political fact-checking within the context of online scrutiny, tracing its roots back to the emergence of the public Internet in the 1990s. It delves into the historical prevalence of "fake facts" in America, examining key developments leading up to the Trump-Clinton presidential election campaigns. Through this lens, the text highlights the ongoing challenges and significance of verifying information in the digital age.