Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to suggest and justify a framework for the history of computing that interests a wide public. The aim is to set the history of computing in the much broader context of automation, while also addressing the evolution of ideas. It suggests first a new detailed classification of programs (in the broad sense). Then it tries in particular to sketch out a “phylogenesis” of automation from the 12th to 19th centuries in Europe. It discusses various automatic devices: particularly, clocks and their annexes, but also organs, games, looms and early computers. Finally, it addresses the stored-program computer and high-level languages.
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d’Udekem-Gevers, M. (2013). Telling the Long and Beautiful (Hi)Story of Automation!. In: Tatnall, A., Blyth, T., Johnson, R. (eds) Making the History of Computing Relevant. HC 2013. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol 416. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41650-7_17
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