How Computers Work, 6/e (Paperback)

How Computers Work shows you how chips, software, memory, and hardware work using detailed four-color drawings. An interactive game-like CD-ROM takes you directly inside your computer. This book is completely updated and revised to include the latest technology developments.

An updated introduction to the workings of the computer explores the basics of microchips, hardware, software, and computer memory, providing an entertaining and informative tour of every part of the computer, from hard drive and processor to mouse, monitor, and keyboard. Also takes you through the workings of digital cameras, ebooks, Bluetooth, and much more.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

I. BOOT-UP PROCESS.

1. Getting to Know the Hardware.
2. How a Disk Boot Works.
3. How an Operating System Controls Hardware.

II. HOW SOFTWARE WORKS.

4. How Programming Languages Work.
5. How Windows Works.
6. How Software Applications Work.

III. MICROCHIPS.

7. How a Transistor Works.
8. How RAM Works.
9. How a Microprocessor Works.

IV. DATA STORAGE.

10. How Disk Storage Works.
11. How Disk Drives Work.
12. How Disk Drives Increase Speed and Storage.
13. How Optical Storage Works.
14. How Removable Storage Works.

V. INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES.

15. How Energy Turns into Data.
16. How a Bus Works.
17. How Computer Ports Work.
18. How a Keyboard Works.
19. How a Computer Display Works.
20. How Pointing Devices Work.
21. How Game Controllers Work.
22. How a Modem Works.
23. How Scanners and Character Recognition Work.
24. How Portable Computers Work.
25. How High-Tech Input/Output Works.

VI. MULTIMEDIA.

26. How Multimedia Sound Works.
27. How Multimedia Video Works.
28. How Virtual Reality Works.

VII. HOW THE INTERNET WORKS.

29. How Local Area Networks Work.
30. How a PC Connects to the Internet.
31. How Wireless Works.
32. How Email Works.
33. How Internet Video and Audio Work.
34. How the World Wide Web Works.

VIII. HOW PRINTERS WORK.

35. How Basic Printing Works.
36. How Color Printing Works.
Index