Tag: computers

ALU is not a metal

2026-09-28 · computers, education

By now, we know how to fill our egg cups to represent numbers. And we found somewhere to put the minus. But what is a computer for if not for computing? Let's look at the basic operations and how a computer processes them.

Where does the minus go?

2026-09-28 · computers, education

Last time, we figured out how to represent numbers using only ones and zeros. With four bits, we could count from 0 to 15. Great. But what if it's minus five degrees outside? Where do we put the minus?

Computers are just egg cups

2026-09-23 · computers, education

Computers work in ones and zeros. This idea is so well known that it has even made its way into popular culture. But it's really hard for a non-technical person to imagine how a sequence of just two digits can represent images or sound.

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