How does it work? Site explains it all
A few years ago, I discovered HowStuffWorks.com and soon had printed a binder full of articles that explain how various technologies work. Reading them helped me learn more about search engines, viruses, firewalls, Internet radio, instant messaging, HDTV, and other topics.
More recently, I wanted to learn more about how podcasting works, so I returned to the site, selected computer stuff, and entered podcasting in the search box. There are several articles, including the basic “How Podcasting Works.”
Besides covering the basics of how podcasting works, the author notes that some say podcasting is democratizing the mainly corporate-run world of radio because it enables anyone with a computer to become a radio disc jockey, talk show host, or recording artist.
Another article, “How iTunes Works” includes ample information on iTunes and how to use it, from downloading the software and importing music, to creating playlists and burning them on CDs.
If your interests go beyond technology (I hope so), there are also thousands of articles on other topics, including health, home, cars, entertainment and more.
When I click on the home channel, for instance, a list of articles (with pictures) tempts me to click and read more about: How Robotic Vacuums Work, How Dishwashers Work, How Housebreaking Your Pet Works, and How Krispy Kremes Work, for example.
I have to say I have a thing against Krispy Kremes and any foods that are deep-fat fried and filled with sugar. Plus, Krispy Kremes seem to be the most oily and sugary of the lot. So I click there and read the article looking for justification for my prejudice, but find little-to-nothing about the ingredients or health consequences. However, I do learn that Krispy Kreme makes about 5 million donuts a day. Great.
Next, I click to How Housebreaking Your Pet Works. I once had trouble teaching an Italian Greyhound not to go inside and am curious what the article suggests. In fact, it does a pretty good job describing the problem, the pet’s issues, and how to help him or her learn where to go, plus, the importance of getting there first.
Besides the sizable collection of articles available on the site, HowStuffWorks also provides a print and online magazine, HowStuffWorks Express (http://express. howstuffworks.com). It’s designed to help 4th- through 8th-grade students learn, as well as have fun with science and technology.
The magazine includes a feature article section that provides numerous articles covering topics such as Under Your Skin: How the Human Body Works, and Spreading the Digital Disease (about computer viruses). Click on AskMarshallBrain, for example, to see answers for kids’ questions such as: Why are mosquitoes so annoying? And — Are people actually being frozen for the future?