RAMs, ROMs, and Robots by Jane Fitz-Randolph
"RAMs, ROMs, and Robots" by Jane Fitz-Randolph and James Jespersen is an engaging exploration of the history and evolution of computers, aimed primarily at young readers. The book begins with the fundamental concept of counting and the early motivations behind the creation of calculating machines, including notable historical devices like Stonehenge. It highlights key figures in computer development, such as Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace, Herman Hollerith, and Alan Turing, detailing their contributions and the impact of their innovations on modern computing.
The text also delves into how computers operate, interpreting data, and executing commands through simple programming examples. The authors discuss various applications of computers, their limitations, and the development of robots, providing insights into the future possibilities for technology. With a glossary and index for reference, "RAMs, ROMs, and Robots" aims to equip young readers with an appreciation for the historical context of computers, enhancing their understanding of how these machines function and paving the way for future explorations in technology.
On this Page
RAMs, ROMs, and Robots by Jane Fitz-Randolph
First published: 1984; illustrated
Subjects: Education, jobs and work, and science
Type of work: Science
Recommended Ages: 10-15
Form and Content
The first half of RAMs, ROMs, and Robots: The Inside Story of Computers is a discussion of the historical development of computers and the people who aided in that development. James Jespersen and Jane Fitz-Randolph begin their story of computers by explaining how and why people count items in order to reveal the reasons for building calculating machines. They start with simple stories of counting farm animals, bushels of food, warriors, and seasons. The authors then describe one of the earliest computing devices—the arrangement of massive stones known as Stonehenge. The overview in chapter 1 ends with an explanation of how analog devices influenced computer development and of the need for new ideas.
Chapters 2 through 5 continue the history of computers. Young readers are introduced to some of the major figures who directly influenced the construction of modern computers. For example, the authors present a brief biographical sketch of Charles Babbage, who invented the “Analytical Engine.” Included in the sketch is an anecdote about Babbage correcting two lines written by the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, because they were not mathematically sound. The authors provide information about the Analytical Engine and how its four parts—the store, mill, bus, and the input/output—are related to modern computers. Other contributors to computer development are discussed in these chapters: Ada Lovelace, who wrote a detailed account of the Analytical Engine and for whom the programming language ADA is named; Herman Hollerith, who conceived of the idea to use punch cards to aid in calculations and who was one of the founders of International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation; Alan Turing, who created the Universal Turing Machine, which was a forerunner to intelligent computers; John von Neumann, who was the first to propose storing programs as digital instructions in the computer’s memory; and J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly, who built the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC), the predecessor to the all-electronic digital computer.
Chapters 6 and 7 lead the reader through a discussion of how computers work and how they interpret data. An example of a simple program is used, along with tables to help the reader visualize the process. Chapter 8 explains the applications of computers and the way in which they can help assimilate information. In chapter 9, the limitations and problems associated with computer use are evaluated. Chapter 10 discusses how computers talk through the examples of instructional toys (such as spelling programs) and games (such as electronic football). The authors discuss how computers can have “voices” and the problems that are encountered in trying to make these computer voices more realistic.
Chapter 11 offers a short discussion about robots and their uses. Chapter 12 reviews the limitations of modern computers, and chapters 13 and 14 examine the possibilities for future computers. A glossary of key terms and an index help the reader understand and find information in the book.
Critical Context
RAMs, ROMs, and Robots, although somewhat dated in its information on the future of computers, is an important book for young readers. Too often, books about computers deal with one specific aspect, launch into details about applications, or use language that the young reader has difficulty understanding. In addition, many computer books omit information concerning the history of computer development.
Young people will have an interest in this book for three main reasons. First, while many of them are familiar with or even expert in using computers to help them calculate difficult problems or write papers and reports, most lack an appreciation for the history behind the development of modern computers, a basic understanding of how a computer processes information or carries out commands, and knowledge about solving simple command errors; James Jespersen and Jane Fitz-Randolph provide overviews of these areas. Second, after reading the book, young readers will be more familiar with why a computer does what it does and how better to utilize it as a tool.
A third reason that young people will want to read RAMs, ROMs, and Robots is that it will encourage them to discover future ways to use computers and robots. The authors give examples of ways in which technology is changing and how that change could affect computers in the future. Some of their examples from the mid-1980’s were already being applied a decade later.