In the beginnings of computing, these machines captivated the public's imagination, earning the nickname "giant brains" due to their remarkable capabilities. However, the true nature of computers was more akin to a bulldozer, showcasing their strength and brute force rather than finesse. The intricate design behind these machines involved considerable complexity and innovation, yet the functionality they offered was often more straightforward than sophisticated.

Tracy Kidder's "The Soul of a New Machine" highlights this juxtaposition between the perception of computers as intelligent entities and their actual operational mechanics. While computers were designed with precision and detail, their primary strength lay in their capacity to perform large-scale tasks efficiently, lacking the subtle nuances that characterize human intelligence.