Tell Me Why…Computers

I am amazed (in all of the good ways) that the producers of Tell Me Why…Computers were able to fit in so much solid information in a scant 31 minutes. Using a question and answer format (a child's voice asks the questions, which are then answered by the adult narrator) this program covers the gamut from softballs such as “what is a CPU?” to truly esoteric (and oftentimes rhetorical) queries such as “why does my computer crash?” Why, indeed. Based on the Tell Me Why books by Arkady Leokum, this Joe Friday-style “just the facts, ma'am” video glossary of common and not-so-common computer questions will teach viewers everything from the basic physical parts of computers to that large, mysterious, and amorphous thing called a network. Although aimed at kids, I think anyone grappling with the “paradigm shift” (and I try not to use this phrase irresponsibly) in encountering the world of computers for the first time might be well served by this engaging presentation. Highly recommended. Also newly available for the same price: Tell Me Why…The Internet. Aud: E, I, P. (C. Block)