How do computers work?

[javasaurus]

Naive question, no?

Seriously, if I'm curious about the on-the-chip workings of a computer, I'm not sure where to even begin finding information. Or even simpler, if I wanted to understand how pre-microprocessor computers worked, where would I even begin? Maybe a kid's electronics kit? "build your own calculator" or something?

Comments

[javasaurus.livejournal.com]

This helps a lot, thanks!

Just having a name (TTL) to call this topic is extremely useful -- it means I have a starting point at the library (I still have borrowing privs at my alma mater).

[blueeowyn.livejournal.com]

You may want to read some of the links in Sil's alternative journal as well. Or ask a certain Jedi fan who does some circuit work. That said, had I seen this before Acroyear70, I would have said most of the same stuff (we had to learn VERY basic circuitry in ENES390)