The Computers of Star Trek

This is a nice overview of computing technology, where we began, where we are now, and where we may be down the road. The comparisons to Star Trek technology was interesting to me as an old Star Trek fan. The authors point out very clearly that the computers of Star Trek have evolved through the decades, and various series, as our knowledge and capabilities in the real world have grown over the years, and we are about to catch up to the talking and reasoning computers portrayed in the original series, perhaps in a handful more years. Later Star Trek series used more advanced computers, even holodecks, these systems will take longer to realize in the real world (physical laws allowing), however, as Gresh and Weinberg explain, most of it won't take until the 24th century to take place. In this book you can learn a lot about computers and computing without becoming bored, and no, you will not be an expert in the field or anything like that, but you will find out that things are advancing rapidly right now. Some of the computer technology shown in the four Star Trek series is already out of date, especially in the original series where those computers resemble large mainframe 1st or second generation computers using vacuum tubes or discrete transistors, and this is a reflection of when the various series were made, from the 1960's to the present. The authors also note that Star Trek is poor at using nanotechnology in the episodes, and how, Gresh and Weinberg explain, microscopic helpers will actually pervade our bodies and keep us healthy and heal wounds and allow us to communicate with others much faster. I did find the chapter on the android Data interesting, the authors believe that something like Data should be possible in the distant future, but the authors explain that much of the computing technology of Star Trek simply won't happen as envisioned in the various series, and that Star Trek is mostly about a projection of our culture three hundred years into the future. But as Spock might say, "fascinating reading". Indeed!

The Bermuda Family of Arizona: ======================== The Computers of Star Trek is an awesome book. My father and grandmother are really into Star Trek, and they've even taken me to some Star Trek conventions. My sister and I saw the authors of The Computers of Star Trek in Pasadena at the Grand Slam Convention. I couldn't wait to tell them how much my whole family likes this book. We're thinking of buying a second copy because we all like it so much. I don't know much about computers, I'm just a kid. My father is disabled and knows less than I do about computers. My grandmother is afraid of computers. My sister's a math genius. She's older than I am. But we love this book. The authors clearly love Star Trek as much as we do. We like the way they describe the different series, like The Original Series, The Next Generation, and Voyager. It's really interesting.

Computers as a constant in our lives is an interesting, and definitely important issue for people more so than ever. Gresh and Weinberg have done a good job at exploring this idea. This novel is an important read for those interested in how computers are affecting our lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The preponderance of Star Trek fans that will read this book might lead one to believe that without a somewhat extensive knowledge of the show's inner workings, it would not be a worthwhile read. On the other hand, while knowledge of the show may preclude understanding some of the book's humor and would certainly add to the enjoyment of the book, non-"Trekkers" like me are still able to admire this book as a fascinating exploration of a not-too-distant future of our own highly-computerized society. It is obvious that Ms. Gresh has an extremely personal and comprehensive knowledge of computers and electronic workings in general, and it shines between the Data jokes and the recounted Holodeck mishaps. Good work!

I picked up this book because I'm a computer major in college and have been a Star Trek fan for years. I wasn't disappointed as the authors have put together a very funny and very entertaining book about how computers are portrayed on all the different shows. They compare the computers on the different versions of the Enterprise (and Deep Space Nine and Voyager) to the computers we use today. They examine Data and the holodeck and the Borg also. Reading the book makes it clear that we are much further towards developing computers like those shown in Star Trek than anyone involved with the show could imagine. Computers they use three hundred years from now will be available in twenty-thirty years. The book is filled with interesting examples taken from the different shows and the authors know how to keep the reader entertained. I found this book not only fascinating but very funny as well. This is the best non-fiction book on Star Trek I've ever read, and I've read them all.