Hackers (1984)

Steven Levy documents the pioneers of early computing who built functional mainframes and microcomputers out of surplus military gear, wire, and soldering irons. From the MIT Model Railroad Club to the Homebrew Computer Club, these tinkerers embraced audacious circuit hacks to circumvent the prohibitive costs of commercial hardware. Their relentless willingness to dismantle and reconstruct proprietary systems formed the technological foundation of personal computing.