How things work? - Y.H. Chan's index page
 
 
Fundamentals
How Bits and Bytes Work - If you've ever wondered about bits, bytes, mega, giga, tera, peta, binary and decimal, then get ready -- you're going to learn it all!
How Boolean Logic Works - Boolean logic lies at the heart of the digital revolution. Find out all about Boolean gates and how by combining them you can create any digital component!
 
System
How PCs Work - Curious to know what's going on inside that ever-present PC? Here's your chance! Examine a personal computer from boot-up to shut-down!
   
How Microprocessors Work - The heart of any computer is the microprocessor, also known as the CPU. Learn all about the amazing, ever-shrinking technology that makes your computer compute.
   
Memory
How Computer Memory Works - Computer memory shows up in all sorts of electronic devices, from PCs to car radios to cell phones. Learn about the different memory systems in use today.
How RAM Works - Random access memory (RAM) is as important to your computer's operation as the CPU. Find out how RAM works, how much you need and which type of RAM is best!
How ROM Works - Read-only memory is essential to your computer. You'll also find ROM in video games, cell phones and microwaves. Learn about the different types of ROM and how they're used!
How Virtual Memory Works - Virtual memory makes your computer act like it has a lot more RAM than it does. Find out what virtual memory is and how it increases the speed of your PC.
   
System software
How Operating Systems Work - The operating system controls every task a computer carries out. Learn how your operating system manages applications so you can multi-task without a crash!
How BIOS Works - BIOS is the first thing you see when you turn on your computer. It performs the power-on self-test and boots the operating system. Learn all about BIOS and how you can upgrade it.
 
Interface
How Serial Ports Work - Serial ports have been an important I/O tool for decades. Learn how they work!
How Parallel Ports Work - Even with the rise of USB, the parallel port is still a very common way to connect a printer to a PC. Learn how parallel ports operate and how they came about.
 
How PCI Works - Your computer's components work together through a bus. Learn all about the PCI bus, as well as past and future computer bus technology.
How SCSI Works - SCSI (pronounced "scuzzy") is an ultra-fast, high-power communications bus that connects up to 15 devices to your computer. Find out how this bus operates.
How USB Ports Work - The USB port has taken over as the preferred connection -- it's easy, it's fast and it supports up to 127 devices on a single machine. Learn about the Universal Serial Bus!
Peripheral
How Floppy Disk Drives Work Floppy disk drives have been around since the birth of personal computing -- find out how they work!
How Hard Disks Work - Your hard disk holds all of the information available on your computer. Take a look inside this incredibly precise storage mechanism!