This is a great question! And Subhasis has a great answer. The challenge of this question is met, and follow up continues with other great responses. Subhasis also provides this link for further reading as a continuing series. The former is worth reading for anyone living with a computer.

This article is worth reading because…

Subhasis answer is great a explaining the fundamental attributes of computers. Why? Provides an easy to read introduction to many complicated components. Why is that important? Understanding the components is essential for understanding the system. Why do I care about this system? Understanding systems is valuable for understanding why things are the way they are. Why does that matter? If we understand why things are the way they are, we can get at the root of how to improve them. Alright, fine I’ll read it.

Love to continue the discussion in the comments below.

[caption id=”attachment_961” align=”aligncenter” width=”474”]Lots of College students learning together This awesome Panorama is just the large room at CalHacks! 1200 bright students hacked for 3 days on some amazing stuff! (Thank you Mary for the Photo!)[/caption]