Basic computer theory

[tightlines]

I'm looking for some good sources for learning basic computer theory and behaviour. For instance, how eletrical circuits can perform calculations; how a mechanical computer would work, such as the old store cash registers and how this relates, if at all, to calculations performed by electrical circuits; how is binary math used in the transistor computer; how are binary calculations translated into machine language, and so forth.

Searches on such a basic topic result in overwhelming returns of irrelevant cites.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Bovon]

Ever heard of MIT?...

(sorry, hope you can take a joke) :D :D :D

[tightlines]

Actually, yes, it was one of the first places I tried, but They were so condescending and snide that I did not pursue the subject further with them.

They suggested I try some less gifted school on the outskirts of civilization, such as USC, for such a primary level question. Would you like their address?;)

[SearchSkillzzz]

Here is a link that you might want to try!Computers (http://www.library.ucsb.edu/istl/97-summer/internet2.html)

[tightlines]

Actually, yes, it was one of the first places I tried, but They were so condescending and snide that I did not pursue the subject further with them.

They suggested I try some less gifted school on the outskirts of civilization, such as USC, for such a primary level question. Would you like their address?;)

[SearchSkillzzz]

you tryed my post and received that? Yikes

[SearchSkillzzz]

Hmm, give this one a try!A different computer link! (http://www.rh.edu/dept/library/subject/cs.htm) :cool:

[SearchSkillzzz]

Here is another link if you would like to check it:Comp Theory (http://www.wikipedia.com/wiki/Computer_science) :cool:

[tightlines]

Pardon the confusion, SearchSkillzz. My reply was meant for the comment about MIT. I have been perusing the first site you mentioned. Tremendous amount of resources there, but far more technically focused on contemporary developments than what I am looking for. I am looking for something that explains the mechanics of using an electrical system of transistors and other components of a basic computer to retain and process information, using a binary numbering system(or decimal, like earlier computers). Before transistors, I have read they developed computers using voltage variations, but they were not reliable or accurate. Well, whether you are using transistors or voltage differences, how do they mechanically translate that into data?

[tightlines]

SearchSkillzzz, I think I have struck gold on that last reference you posted. Thankyou so kindly.

[SearchSkillzzz]

Ok, lets give this one a try man, don't worry about the confusion man, lol, I'm pretty easy man:D Ok here we go, this is a shot in the dark!Try this one! (http://www.usbyte.com/common/Binary%20System_3.htm) Perhaps another researchable site (http://www.thinkquest.org/library/lib/site_sum_outside.html?tname=3114&url=3114/binary.html) :cool:

[SearchSkillzzz]

Originally posted by tightlines
SearchSkillzzz, I think I have struck gold on that last reference you posted. Thankyou so kindly. Thats good to hear let me know how it goes man!:)

[Bovon]

Originally posted by tightlines
They suggested I try some less gifted school on the outskirts of civilization, such as USC, for such a primary level question. Would you like their address?;)

Actually, I am more of the "rambling wreck from Georgia Tech, and one hellova Engineer" type. :D

Looks like you have discovered much of what you needed. Great, SysOpt has a lot of very gifted individuals that often lurk in the shadows, but come out when needed with guns ablazing!

[SearchSkillzzz]

I love it!:D