The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder
- 1. The Soul of a New Machine, authored by Tracy Kidder, is a compelling narrative that delves into the intense world of computer engineering in the late 1970s. The book centers around the development of a revolutionary minicomputer at Data General Corporation, where an ambitious team of engineers and programmers work tirelessly under pressure to create a machine that could compete with the burgeoning personal computer market. Kidder intricately profiles key figures, such as lead engineer Tom West, highlighting their passions, creative tensions, and the collaborative spirit that ignites innovation. Through immersive storytelling, Kidder explores the blend of technical skill, intellectual doggedness, and the human experience behind technological breakthroughs. The narrative captures the essence of the struggles and triumphs of the team as they navigate the challenges of deadline pressures, corporate politics, and the quest for perfection. Rich with technical detail yet accessible to general readers, the book serves as both a deep dive into engineering practices and a profound meditation on the nature of creativity and the soul of technology itself.
Which company's engineering team is the focus of the book?
A) Data General
B) IBM
C) Digital Equipment Corporation
D) Hewlett-Packard
- 2. What was the name of Data General's competing computer that motivated the project?
A) VAX
B) PDP-11
C) Apple II
D) System/360
- 3. Who was the charismatic leader of the hardware team?
A) Tom West
B) Ken Olsen
C) Steve Jobs
D) Edson de Castro
- 4. What was the project code name for the new computer?
A) Falcon
B) Hawk
C) Condor
D) Eagle
- 5. What prestigious award did the book win?
A) Nobel Prize in Literature
B) National Book Award
C) Hugo Award
D) Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction
- 6. How does Kidder characterize the work environment?
A) Bureaucratic and slow-moving
B) Relaxed and creative
C) Unionized with strict work rules
D) Intense and demanding with long hours
- 7. What was the significance of the 'microcode' in the project?
A) It was crucial for the computer's architecture and performance
B) It was a failed experimental feature
C) It handled only graphics processing
D) It was copied from IBM systems
- 8. How does Kidder portray the relationship between hardware and software teams?
A) As sometimes tense but necessary collaboration
B) As competitive to the point of sabotage
C) As always harmonious and cooperative
D) As completely separate and independent
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