Special Event

"A Vision Splendid: The History of Australian Computing"

ACS Book Launch - Cocktail Party

National Library of Australia, Level 4, Conference Room, Parkes Pl W, Canberra, ACT, 2600
Mon 09 Oct 2017 05:15 PM AEDT
Duration: 2.3 hours
Register by Mon 09 Oct 2017 02:00 PM AEDT
In Person
CPD Hours: 0
Skills Level: -

About this event

Australia has a long and illustrious computing history. Trevor Pearcey’s Mark 1, known as CSIRAC, dates from 1947 was one of the first electronic computers in the world. There followed a range of other remarkable achievements, from remarkable people.

 

But Australia’s computing history is not well-known. This book is the first time it has been documented from the beginning. There have been corporate histories, and academic studies of various aspects of the industry, and a great many reminiscences. But they have never previously been brought together in a comprehensive history.

 

Australians can be very proud of their computing heritage. The stories presented in this book show in Australian science, technology and business at their best. They show a willingness to have a go, to take a risk, and to think ahead. These are key attributes of the Australian character.

 

Computing is an important part of Australia’s history. It is also an important part of our future. Now, for the first time, we have a history of the industry and of the people who forged it.

 

Computing in Australia has many facets - academic, government, private industry, and society and the individuals within it. The 21st century information and communications technologies is all around us. But it also has an important history, one that until now has never been told.

 

The book was researched and written by Graeme Philipson, a leading Australian computer journalist and computer historian. Graeme has brought to life many of the people and events that have shaped computing in Australia.

Speakers

Keynote Speaker
Anthony Wong
Keynote Speaker
Graeme Phillipson
Keynote Speaker
Michael James Hawkins

Event Location

National Library of Australia, Level 4, Conference Room, Parkes Pl W, Canberra, ACT, 2600
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