Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

The Way Things Work?

Posted by Cliff on from the good-software-ideas dept.

kcarnold asks: "I have an old CD called David Macaulay: The Way Things Work, and though it is quite interesting, it is significantly dated for today's rapidly changing technology world (Minimum system requirements are 386SX or higher, 4 MB RAM, Windows 3.1), and its theme is quite childish. I'm looking for a Web site (or maybe a software program) that is basically an updated version of this. The Way Things Work described, of course, how stuff works, but today physical stuff isn't the whole picture -- describing how software, the Internet, etc. works would also be quite helpful. Yes I'm sure us geeks know how every conceivable contraption works already, but it's quite possible that there exist humans that do not have such thorough knowledge of today's technology. Any pointers to resources that could enlighten them (and maybe some of us too)?" Interesting idea. Are there other pieces of software along these lines?

8 comments

  1. check the library by fsck! · · Score: 1

    i got a copy of "The New Way Things Work" a few years ago. this is a new edition of the book that the cd in question is based on. it includes a very easy to understand explanation of binary logic, a few sections on data storage and of course the internet IIRC. this section too is told in a journal-like format, unfortunatly guided by a geek named bill, king of the land of computers. ick.

    but all joking aside, this book is really great for explaining the truth to curious youngsters. i'll write a full review if /. is interested.

  2. Not totally related, but... by espertek · · Score: 1

    I stumbled across http://www.repairfaq.org today. TONS of info on fixing and repairing consumer electronics... It would definately be of some use to someone.

    --
    If I had something more interesting for a signature, this is where it would be.
  3. Re:I've often wondered.... by zendmaster · · Score: 1

    could be that unclickable link i posted up above, i had simular thoughts after posting it. we'll try this instead. ahhh, much better.

  4. verbal self-defense by zendmaster · · Score: 1

    one interesting page they have is on verbal self-defense, it's quite interesting. the computer mode that is of particular interest. ;)

  5. karma whore by Matts · · Score: 2
    Not you: me... Just to make people's life easier, here's a link:

    How Things Work.

    I have to actually thank you too - I'd forgotten about this site, and it really is one of the cooler sites on the net.

    --

    Matt. Want XML + Apache + Stylesheets? Get AxKit.
  6. The CD was based off of his book by Tower · · Score: 2

    (of the same title)

    A nifty little high level mammoth view of all sorts of things. I believe there is a second book, also. It is aimed at school children (and does a good job), but for a computer geek who's never seen how a clutch works, or for a quick + dirty explanation of nuclar reactors, it really quite useful. I haven't seen the second book, but I think it covered more of the newer computer techology than the first. An interesting book to have around the house...

    --
    "It's tough to be bilingual when you get hit in the head."
  7. The Geek's Place to Go... by cr0sh · · Score: 2

    For how things work:

    How Things Work by Louis A. Bloomfield, Professor of Physics, The University of Virginia

    Great site, in-depth answers - lots to get a person thinking!

    --
    Reason is the Path to God - Anon
  8. how stuff works by zendmaster · · Score: 3

    this site has fairly indepth explanation's of such things: http://www.howstuffworks.com/