Learn, Earn & Return, My Life as a Computer Pioneer

Learn, Earn & Return, My Life as a Computer Pioneer by Harlan E. Anderson. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780615305455.

This is the life story of Harlan E. Anderson (a computer pioneer), who in 1950 as a student at the Univeristy of Illinois was writing computer programs for a very early computer ( the ILLIAC) that was under construction at the time. After graduation he joined M.I.T. as a junior computer engineer working on the largest computer network system ever built for years to come. The Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE System) was deployed across North America and was the information backbone of the defense of North America for over twenty years of the Cold War. It pioneered man machine working together in real time. He then co-founded Digital Equipment Corporation, that brought these M.I.T. techniques to the commercial computer world using transistors to replace vacuum tubes, resulting in a significant reduction in the size and cost of computers. The PDP-1 (Programmed Data Processor) the companys first computer, revolutionized the way computers were used and paved the way for others to create the Personal Computer. Digital becamer known as the Mini Computer company. After eight years Anderson was forced out of the company by his co-founder and he became a venture capitalist and philanthropist. For three years in the late 60s he was the Science Advisor at Time, Inc exploring the future of the printed word. At its peak Digital became the second largest computer company in the world after IBM. It was also known as the first home run of venture capital, having created a spectacular increase in the value of the investment company (American Research and Development Corporation) that backed the founding of Digital Equipment Corporation. After the company started a serious decline inf the 90s his co-founder was fired by the Board of Directors and the company ultimatly failed. This is an exciting and rewarding memoir.