Computer Factoids: Tales from the High-Tech Underbelly

By Kirk Kirksey

Computers are those unfathomable contraptions everyone everywhere loves to hate. We can't live with them, but we can't live without them. Contempt for our byte-based existence has developed universal appeal crossing boundaries of culture, economics, religion, and language. Everyone you know has a "those stupid computers" story. If you think you have heard it all, STOP.

The digital revolution began in 1951. Computer Factoids chronicles behind-the-scenes digital weirdness from Day One. Kirk Kirksey covers the landscape of computer history, cyber legend, digital mythology, and Internet lore. Put away your pocket protector because you won't find any techno-babble on these pages. Each of these 39 high-tech yarns is an easy-read with a serious dose of attitude. Whether it is a computer powered by rotting potatoes or a symphony performed by obsolete dot-matrix printers or a computerized bra equipped with a modem, these tales of the digital surreal will make you stand up and shout, "Honey, you're not going to believe this."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595318916
• ISBN13: 9780595318919
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic

Kirk's book is great! Chock full of neat facts with delightful originality. A must read for the thinking professional. I am looking forward Kirk's next book!

I never knew...

Very unusual. A must if computers ever get you down (they really are stupid machines). Brainy and well written.

I liked it so much - I bought the book!

Mr. Kirksey has definitely captured the essence of what makes computing entertaining! I'm sure everyone has heard a few of these computer myths and legends -- but Kirk Kirksey tells the "rest of the story." A must read. I borrowed the book and read it on a cross-country airline trip -- liked it so much, I had to buy it!

I couldn't put it down

Wow, what a great book. Light reading for a Sunday morning - so good I couldn't put it down. From an explanation of how the Microsoft Windows start-up tune was invented to Dominos Pizza doing marketing research by collecting tons of crumbs from computer keyboards. This is a fascinating book. I really couldn't put it down once I got started. I fully expect to see the author on David Letterman someday. And we'll certainly be hearing some of these stories copied in speeches and articles for some time to come. Highly recommended.