21 Nov
2007
21 Nov
'07
10:30 a.m.
On 21 Nov 2007 at 13:58, Jules Richardson wrote:
So the boy (9yr. old) was asking last night about how
computers work... any
recommendations for good books for learning the basics from? I think I started
out with a Sinclair Spectrum and its BASIC manual, but I really don't recall
now where I found out about the fundamental building blocks of [typical]
computers and how a CPU worked. There must be a good 'classic' "how
computers
work" type of book which avoids going on about PCs and Xboxen...
What a wonderful question--and one very near to my own heart. Not
that long ago, there was a survey performed by one of the trade rags
(EETimes?) that asked the question. "Did you have any involvement
with electronics as a hobby before you began studying engineering?"
The results were quite startling--something like 96% of those
surveyed said "yes".
I'd probably start here: http://www.hobbyprojects.com/ to see what's
currently available. Sadly, a lot of the training books from the
1960's can only be found in the used books market--and they were the
best, IMOHO.
But there are also some great gizmos to keep the interest going; the
PicoCricket and the Fly Pentop immediately come to mind. Neither is
a budget-breaker.
Cheers,
Chuck