What is computing, according to Paul Ceruzzi, and who were some of the early thinkers and inventions that contributed to its development?

According to Paul Ceruzzi, computing is the use of technology and machines to process information, solve problems, and perform tasks. It's not just about using computers, but also about understanding how they work and how they can be used to make our lives easier.

The development of computing didn't happen overnight. It was the result of the work of many early thinkers and inventors. Here are a few of them:

1. Charles Babbage: He is often called the "father of the computer". In the 1800s, he designed a machine called the Analytical Engine. It was never built, but it was designed to use gears and levers to perform calculations. This was a big step towards the development of modern computers.

2. Ada Lovelace: She worked with Charles Babbage and is often credited as the first computer programmer. She wrote instructions for the Analytical Engine, showing how it could be used to solve complex problems.

3. Alan Turing: He was a mathematician and is known for his work during World War II. He developed a machine called the Bombe, which was used to break German codes. His work laid the foundation for modern computing and artificial intelligence.

4. John von Neumann: He was a mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the development of computer architecture. His design, known as the von Neumann architecture, is still used in most computers today.

5. The invention of the transistor in the 1940s and the integrated circuit in the 1950s: These inventions made computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. They paved the way for the development of personal computers and digital technology.

So, computing, according to Paul Ceruzzi, is a field that has been shaped by many brilliant minds and important inventions. It's a field that continues to evolve and has a big impact on our lives.