Reddit reviews Nine Algorithms That Changed the Future: The Ingenious Ideas That Drive Today's Computers

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Nine Algorithms That Changed the Future, by MacCormick and Bishop

Have a look at Nine Algorithms That Changed The Future. It sounds like this is just the book you're looking for.

I had to read this book for my first year seminar in college.
It explains some important algorithms in ways that someone with no experience in computer science can understand. I enjoyed it.

http://www.amazon.com/Nine-Algorithms-That-Changed-Future/dp/0691158193

I bought this to read while I travel around Europe, it might be what you are looking for.

Nine Algorithms that Changed the Future

Edit: Also, listen to the talking machines podcast for some insight into machine learning.

I highly recommend Nine Algorithms That Changed the Future. Chapter 5 covers error correcting code, which is summarized somewhat well here.

Your home PC is (probably?) not utilizing these algorithms.

Well if you're interested in Computer Science stuff (which is what I do), then I'd recommend Nine Algorithms That Changed The Future. It's written so that a layperson can understand it (but it can get a bit dense here and there if you are unfamiliar with the topics). It's fairly light reading, and enjoyable if you want to learn a little more about some of the computer algorithms that have had a tremendous impact on modern technology.