How Stuff Works. (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.howstuffworks.com

This award winning website offers much more than computer related material and is worth exploring for general interest in other topics. Most topics have a an opening page and then a printer-friendly version which collates all pages into one document. Below are a few computer related links relevant to the objectives of this webliography, but there are lots more available on the How Stuff Works website.

Here are some computer related examples to get started:
• How Stuff Works: "How PC's Work". (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm
Includes information on what is on the inside of a PC, connections and the future of computing.
• How Stuff Works: 'Internet!' (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.howstuffworks.com/category.htm?cat=Intrnt
This page provides links to Internet related material. It includes sub-headings such as Creating websites, Internet connections, Internet hardware, Networking, Computer security, Web servers, Future net and more. Each article is full of pictures and relevant links to help explain each topic.
• How Stuff Works: How Home Networking Works (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm
This article provides a detailed account of how a network can be set up at home. It covers networking basics, file sharing and security, printers, Internet, routers and firewalls, building a network, Ethernet and other types of networking. Clear instructions are given with necessary screen shots and graphics provided for further clarification.
• How Stuff Works: Computer Memory. (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory.htm
Includes RAM, ROM, BIOS, Cache, Virtual memory, Video memory and more.

Intel Education: Journey Inside. (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.intel.com/education/journey/
Created by Intel originally on a CD ROM, The Journey Inside is a media-rich website that challenges the student and teacher to explore the world of computer and Internet technology. It is designed for students to interact with the technology to learn about the technology and makes excellent use of graphics, sound and video. A teacher's guide and lesson planning section is also available, including teacher materials and handouts as well as customised login help to individualise student and classroom needs. Topics for students to explore are Introduction to Computers, Circuits and Switches, Technology and Society, The Internet, Microprocessors and Digital Information. The software Real Player is needed to view the streaming video segments.

TechTutorials: Free Computer, Programming, Networking and Application Tutorials. (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.techtutorials.com/
Computer Reference Directory of free computer tutorials and whitepapers. It currently provides 1906 free tutorials available by browsing subject headings or using the search facility. Subject headings include Hardware, Applications, Networking, Windows platforms, Macintosh, Handheld devices and Programming. Searching can be limited to the TechTutorial site with carefully chosen tutorial and information sites or taken wider onto the web itself. An excellent resource of 'how to' and information sites.

Trish's Escape from Hardware Hell. (September 15, 2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.hardwarehell.com/
The opening lines: "Welcome to Hardware Hell! We've all been there and hopefully this site will help you out." As a leading directory for PC and other computer hardware it has helpful links to tutorials and information. The homepage is well designed and clearly leads the user into finding relevant web sites and articles to learn more about computer systems and hardware and to help with hardware problems.

Online Encyclopaedia and Reference:
• Webopedia. (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.webopedia.com/
Webopedia is an online dictionary and search engine for computer and Internet technology. Searching for information can be done by keyword or by a category list. The category list includes communications, graphics, multimedia, networks, programming, mobile computing and more. The website also includes a 'Term of the Day' and the 'Top 15 Terms' and has links to new terms and new links.
• Whatis.com. (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://whatis.techtarget.com/
This site provides an IT specific encyclopaedia. Users can browse alphabetically or in categories. There is a keyword search facility as well as a fast reference section which provides links to the latest IT topics.

PC Tech Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.pctechguide.com/
This site is devoted to sharing information about PC technology. It covers areas such as components, storage, multimedia, input-output and communications. The opening page provides a link to an excellent site map which lists all topics. There is another link to a good 'What's New' page. The articles give excellent descriptive and diagrammatic explanations of the topic with cross-referenced links. It includes a search function and a glossary word lookup and category listing. Product reviews for essential hardware items are also included. Recent update information was available on each page.

Building a PC: An Illustrated Guide. (April 4, 2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.dansdata.com/buildpc.htm
This web page is long and may take some time to download but it provides an excellent overview of how to build a PC. Real life pictures are provided of the different components required for a PC and exact instructions are given how to fit the pieces together.

How-To Guides: Friendly Computer Help in Plain English. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.pcnineoneone.com/howto.html
This website aims to "…give computer users around the world a place to find out about computers in an easy to understand, non-intimidating environment to help make their computer experience a happy and safe one." It provides 'How-To' guides under the following headings: Internet, Windows, Safe computing, Hardware, Networking and Miscellaneous. Each article can be viewed online as is complete with graphics, or as a printer-friendly text file or downloaded as a self-extracting text file.

What's Inside that Box. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://members.aol.com/wbox/wboxmenu.htm
This website provides an easy to understand explanation of what is inside a computer. It is accompanied by pictures and graphics to illustrate what a computer looks like and how it works. The site covers binary data, storage devices, video and sound systems and the modem.

Dave's Guide to Buying a Computer. (2002). Retrieved October 19, 2002, from http://www.css.msu.edu/PC-Guide/PC-Guide1.cfm
Dave Krauss is a teacher at Michigan State University. He has compiled an informative and detailed list of things to know and consider when purchasing a computer including computer terminology, software, operating systems, hardware, configurations and even shopping tips.