HowStuffWorks "Computer"

Right Now in Tech

How does your computer know how much ink is left in the cartridge?
Ink is costly, so you want to know you're getting your money's worth. Your computer will tell you when you need to replace your ink cartridges, but how does it calculate usage, and how accurate is it?
3-D Printing
10 Ways 3-D Printing Could Change the World
Is my printer bad for my health?
Electronics Puzzles: Central Processing Unit
From CPUs and circuit boards to televisions and iPods, high-tech gadgets are a constant presence in modern life. Now they're appearing in your puzzles, too. Can you put these puzzles together faster than you can upload a new playlist on your iPod?
Latest Puzzles
How Microprocessors Work
Why are there limits on CPU speed?
10 Nightmare Scenarios From the Internet of Things
A connected world stretching from your blender to your thermostat to the satellites overhead? It seemed like a good idea at the time.
The Internet of Things
How does the Internet work?
How will computers evolve over the next 100 years?
Could you put a camera in a contact lens?
It's no secret that tech is ever-shrinking, but is it small enough to put a camera right on your eye in contact-lens form? Google's got a patent, but how close to market is the idea?
How It's Made: Contact Lenses
How Contact Lens Displays Work
10 Crazy Things Contacts Can Do

Ink Cartridge Levels
Puzzles
10 Internet of Things Nightmares
Could you put a camera in a contact lens?

WHAT'S INSIDE: COMPUTER

Wondering what's inside your computer or how the latest computer technologies work? Browse our articles below on computer networking, security, hardware, software and more to get explanations and how-to tips.

Computer Hardware
Computer Peripherals
Computer Security
Computer Software
Internet

Computer Hardware
From USB connectors to motherboards, the HowStuffWorks Computer Hardware Channel will help you find explanations, reviews, videos and prices for the parts you need.
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Computer Peripherals
Peripherals are pieces of hardware that you add to your computer. In the Computer Peripherals Channel, find explanations, reviews, videos and prices on these parts, plus how they communicate with your computer.
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Computer Security
Computer security is an increasingly important consideration. From authentication to encryption keys, learn how to keep your computer's hard drive protected and your personal information safe.
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- Authentication
- Computer & Internet Security
Computer Software
Software refers to the programs your computer uses to perform the actions you want it to. Learn all about computer software, from Web browsers to the latest operating systems, with our explanations, reviews, videos and prices.
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- Graphics & Video
- Other Software
Internet
We look to the Internet for news, socializing, shopping, research and more. From HTML code to instant messaging, we'll break down what's really going on whenever you log on, send an e-mail, visit a popular Web site or post to a blog.
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videos: computer

Ultimate Computer Hardware Videos

Computer Virus Videos

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