This book is a great value for anyone seeking a general understanding of how computers work. The author and illustrator effectively cover a tremendous breadth of material with simple text and excellent visual aids, but without being silly or so simplistic as to be meaningless. The material is broken up into logical chapters, but is served up in 2-page increments, so the book is easy to pick up for a few minutes, learn about a concept or method, and then go about other activities. It also flows in an incremental manner that builds from the basics of hardware and software all the way up to the internet and complicated graphics programs. It pays about equal attention to hardware and software, and introduces common but often misunderstood terms and principles. I would highly recommend the book to non-subject-matter-experts seeking an architectural or conceptual view of computers. While one will not be able to build a computer or write code after reading only this book, he or she will certainly have a much better idea of how all the hardware and software components of a computer and network work together to perform a myriad of functions. Topics are as diverse as transistor operation, boolean algebra, spreadsheets, digital photography, computer games, printers, Google, eBay, viruses, security, data storage, local area networks, power supplies, joysticks, operating systems, and many subjects in between. I have enjoyed and appreciated this book. My thanks to the author and illustrator--they've helped me a great deal!