Why This Matters
The passing of Tracy Kidder, author of the influential book 'The Soul of a New Machine,' marks a significant moment in tech history, highlighting the importance of innovation and engineering in shaping the industry. His work offers valuable insights into the pioneering efforts behind early computer development, inspiring current and future generations of technologists and enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Tracy Kidder's book documents the pioneering era of computer engineering in the 1980s.
- The Data General Nova exemplifies the technological advancements that shaped the industry before the rise of personal computers.
- Kidder's storytelling continues to influence how we understand the history and evolution of technology.
Ancient Slashdot reader wiredog writes: Tracy Kidder, author of "The Soul of a New Machine," has died at the age of 80. "The Soul of a New Machine" is about the people who designed and built the Data General Nova, one of the 32 bit superminis that were released in the 1980's just before the PC destroyed that industry. It was excerpted in The Atlantic.
"I'm going to a commune in Vermont and will deal with no unit of time shorter than a season."
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