pragmatic-thriftiness

The chapter "Preamble" opens with a prologue describing a stormy sailing trip featuring Tom West, a computer engineer whose resilience and mysterious aura set him apart from the other crew. The narrative then shifts to a description of the Data General Corporation's headquarters, emphasizing the company's practical and thrifty approach to business, symbolized by their modest but functional building, Westborough. This sets the stage for exploring the culture of engineering and innovation within the context of the emerging computer industry.