Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution

Rating:
Summary: VERY BORING!
Review: I could barely stand reading this book... it leads to nowhere. It jumps around to different topics too quickly, and it's very hard to be be interested in. I couldn't finish the book, I literally fell asleep with the book in my hands.

Rating:
Summary: Must read to understand the beginning of modern computers
Review: Don't read this book as an A to Z or a history book. Read it if you want to FEEL the beginning. Did you ever hack something? Ever flip a character bit in an early role-playing game? Ever write assembly code on a PDP-11? Ever own an Apple II? The three eras covered in this book really take you into the experience and give you a sense of what it was like in the early days of this industry. And Stephen Levy is a great writer. I read everything he writes cover to cover with ease and interest.

Rating:
Summary: The Bible for computer geeks
Review: This book is a must read for any self-respecting computer geek or anyone who is even mildly interested in the history of computers. In age when the term hacking is synonymous with computer crimes and the computer world is dominated by Microsoft, it is fun to read about the glory days and the true meaning of hacking. These guys started with nothing but machines and built their own software tools from scratch, the things they did laid the ground work for a revolution and it has had lasting effects on every aspect of our lives. The only downer is that I felt that Levy should have made the entire book about the MIT hackers, they are the most compelling characters in the book and where doing the most important and technically challenging work. The rest of the book can't maintian the coolness of the MIT hackers, even though it does cover some interesting people. I think that Levey did a good job in not dumbing down the subject matter and he didn't try and over dramatize the characters and events. This is a book that probably has a cult following and if it doesn't it should.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting but narrow history of computing
Review: To be honest, it's been a number of years since I read Hackers, having read it soon after it's initial publication in the '90's. However, I have some lasting impressions, which may amplify, or at least supplement, several of the previous reviews. First and foremost, I found Hackers to be a facinating story - one with which I would think the majority of the public would be unfamiliar. Levy does an excellent job of documenting the lives and times of the early computer pioneers, and makes those seminal days live again - even for those of us who wouldn't know a byte from a bite from a bight. However, Levy has a tendency for hyperbole, and in Hackers, he gives that tendency full rein. Levy's prose are rife with phrases like '...these brilliant geniuses' and '...such giant intellects.' I'm working from memory, so those are not directs quotes, but I think you get the idea. The other negative impression I have, is Levy's unnecessary dwelling on his characters' personal foibles. I still recall with disgust (alright... mild disgust, but disgust, nonetheless) his description of - if I remember correctly - what were called "blatties." Over all however, I loved "Hackers" and would recommend it to almost anyone without reservation. It's a great read. Oh... there is just one more thing I remember; sweet and sour bitter melon (shudder). So when will the movie be released? ;)