How Computers Work: The Evolution of Technology

Abstract

How Computers Work is the definitive illustrated guide to the world of PCs and technology. In this new edition, you’ll find detailed information not just about PCs, but about how changes in technology have evolved the giant, expensive computer dinosaurs of last century into the smaller but more powerful smartphones, tablets, and wearable computing of today. Whether your interest is in business, gaming, digital photography, entertainment, communications, or security, you’ll learn how computing is evolving the way you live. A full-color, illustrated adventure into the wonders of Technoloogy. This full-color, fully illustrated guide to the world of technology assumes nothing and explains everything. Only the accomplished and award-winning team of writer Ron White and artist Tim Downs has the unique ability to meld descriptive text with one-of-a-kind visuals to fully explain how the electronic gear we depend on every day is made possible. In addition to all the content you’ve come to expect from prior editions, this newly revised edition includes all-new coverage of topics such as: -How smartphones and tablet PCs put the power of a desktop computer in your hands–literally -How computing technology is linking our homes, work place, entertainment, and daily communications -How advances such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, eBay, and smartphones are expanding our universe of friends, knowledge, and opportunity -How increased miniaturization leads to new products, such as smartphone, smartwatches, and Google Glass -How computing technology takes advantages of quantum physics and innovations no one even imagined a few years ago For two decades, How Computers Work has helped newbies understand new technology, while hackers and IT pros have treasured it for the depth of knowledge it contains. This is the perfect book about computing to capture your imagination, delight your eyes, and expand your mind, no matter what your technical level! Beautifully detailed illustrations and jargon-free explanations walk you through the technology that is shaping our lives. See the hidden workings inside computers, smartphones, tablets, Google Glass, and the latest tech inventions. Contents at a Glance What Makes a Computer a Computer The Ghostly LEGOs of Computing How Computers Remember How a Little Microprocessor Does Big Things How Motherboards Conduct a Symphony of Data Software—The Computer’s Own Poetry How Words Are Stitched into Programs How Applications Work So You Can Play How Games Create New Worlds How Security Software Fights Off Invaders How Computers Evolve The Origins of Computer DNA How Small Mutations Pay Off Big Honey, I’ve Shrunk the PC Evolution of the Super Computer How Cameras Capture Memories How Computers Expand Our Senses How We Stay in Touch How a Computer Creates Visions How Computers Tickle Your Ears How the Internet Connects Us All How Networks Tie Computers Together How the Internet Brings Us the World How the Web Puts It All at Your Fingertips How We Keep in Touch the Internet Way How Printers Put Data in Our Hands How Black-and-White Printing Works Printing Gutenberg Never Imagined So, What’s Next?