How Computers Really Work

An approachable, hands-on guide to understanding how computers work, from low-level circuits to modern software.

From Amps to Apps: How Computers Work takes an informal approach to topics often reserved for textbooks. Each chapter covers one foundational aspect of computing. Exercises and hands-on activities throughout are designed to help the reader learn.

Exercises mostly involve mental problem solving, while hands-on activities require the reader to actually try various aspects of computing: building a circuit, writing software, and so forth.