Taming the silicon dragon.
This article is an introduction to how computers work. Although many can begin to use this tool without any formal knowledge of its components or how they work together, only a functional understanding of these aspects can really unleash the power and capabilities available and allow you to proceed without fear that some mysterious force will come up and "eat the data" or somehow cause some other damage to the system. Through an inspection of the terminology, anatomical dissection, and physiology of our imagined "silicon dragon," we can appreciate the qualities of the beast, dispell our fears, and take real control of this potentially awesome tool. Although the basic information is perforce, quite technical in nature, the article is meant both to be readable and also provide a reference for terms and concepts mentioned both elsewhere in this issue, as well as generally. It is especially useful to be refreshed on these terms and concepts when considering an initial purchase or upgrade of computer equipment.
VetSoft Veternary Software, Davis, CA, USA.
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D003197:Computer Literacy; D003199:Computer Systems; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009626:Terminology as Topic