Computers

Decades before Google or Facebook existed, a Madison Avenue advertising man started a company called Simulmatics based on a then-revolutionary method of using computers to forecast how people would behave. Historian Jill Lepore tells the story in her new book.

The evolution of artificial intelligence has exploded over the past five years, leading to computers that can drive and talk. New York Times' Cade Metz explains how machines are learning on their own.

Barlow, who died on Wednesday, was associated with the Grateful Dead since its early days. He went on to become a proponent of a free and open Internet. Originally broadcast in 1996.

New York Times tech columnist Farhad Manjoo warns that the "frightful five" — Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft and Facebook — are collectively more powerful than many governments.

Language Commentator Geoffrey Nunberg explores the language and sounds of talking computers and how they handle the subtlety of vocal inflection. (Segment)

Language Commentator Geoffrey Nunberg explores the language and sounds of talking computers and how they handle the subtlety of vocal inflection.

Peter Wagg, Executive Producer and co-creator of the "Max Headroom" television series. He first developed the character of Max in 1985 as a host between rock video segments on Britain's Channel 4.

Michael Crichton gave up a medical career to become a science fiction author and film director. His newest book, Sphere, deals with an alien encounter and a growing fear of computers.