Teaching kids about computers...

[James]

Jules Richardson wrote:
> So the boy (9yr. old) was asking last night about how computers work... 
> any recommendations for good books for learning the basics from? I think 
> I started out with a Sinclair Spectrum and its BASIC manual, but I 
> really don't recall now where I found out about the fundamental building 
> blocks of [typical] computers and how a CPU worked. There must be a good 
> 'classic' "how computers work" type of book which avoids going on about 
> PCs and Xboxen...
> 
> I figure I should find him one of those kids electronics projects kits 
> too (I think that was where I got my first exposure to logic gates from 
> at about the same age) and also some old 8-bit machine to play with.
> 
> I can get a Spectrum / BBC micro shipped over in a few months, but 
> something US-built might be better; any thoughts? I did wonder about a 
> C64, but maybe it'd be better to start with something a bit more simple? 
> i.e. probably something Z80 or 6502-based (just because there's more 
> resources devoted to them), generic cassette data storage, basic video 
> abilities etc.
> 
> (You know, I don't recall seeing a 'how to introduce kids to vintage 
> computing' thread on here before :-)
> 
> cheers
> 
> Jules
> 
> 
An old ladybird book (just titled "Computers" IIRC) is a surprisingly 
good introduction! I believe they were also used in the MoD with a plain 
cover.