Curious? Site tells how stuff works

A few years ago, I discovered the HowStuffWorks.com Web site 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've wanted to learn more about how podcasting works, so I return to the site, select Computer Stuff, and enter "podcasting" in the search box. There are several articles, including the basic "How Podcasting Works."

Besides covering the basics, 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 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."

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. I 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.

So I move on to the article about housebreaking a pet. 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.

There are many interesting topics covered on HowStuffWorks, and I've found the information to be clear and easy to understand. Well, maybe not everything. I still think understanding HTML Web pages, HDTV broadcasting and a few other technologies is pretty complicated. But at least after reading the explanations, I have a better understanding.

Besides the sizable collection of articles available on the site, HowStuffWorks provides a print and online magazine, HowStuffWorks Express. It's designed to help fourth- to eighth-grade students have fun with science and technology.

The magazine includes a Teacher's Corner, which provides further study ideas and materials for teachers and parents. Click on AskMarshallBrain, for example, to see answers for kids' questions such as: Are people actually being frozen for the future? How do people walk on fire?

The Autopsy Library, so called because it shows what the devices look like once they've been opened up, includes explanations of things that may interest kids, including an Xbox 360 controller, electronic keyboard, vending machine, Super Soakers, camera phone, Rumble Robot and more.

I wish the HowStuffWorks site would make the online version of Express readily available from the site. I had to go hunting on Google to find it (express.howstuffworks.com).

HowStuffWorks also provides travel and hotel and restaurant information and ratings from the Mobil Travel Guides, as well as reviews of products from Consumer Guide. Links to these resources are located at the top of the HowStuffWorks banner on all pages.

When I look up other reviews of the HowStuffWorks Web site, the findings are mainly positive. Adults and kids who use the site have said things like "it helps you become the family genius," "it's helpful for research and learning," and it's also lots of fun.

One person noted that a typical search provides different approaches to a topic, and most definition screens contain photographs, graphics or animated diagrams to demonstrate how the things work.

Further kid comments include: "This Web site is just cool — it has a lot of information on any topic you can imagine, and it answers almost every question you may have"; and, "The authors have done a great job making explanations understandable so that a sixth-grader can get the general idea, and still maintain the depth and details that adults want."

The only negative comments I've found include things like the site is a little cluttered, it's a little slow in loading pages and it makes for information overload.

Take a few minutes to browse HowStuffWorks.com. I bet you'll find at least one topic that intrigues you, and maybe you'll even click to go there and find out how it works.

Write Linda Knapp at lknapp@seattletimes.com; to read other Getting Started columns, go to: www.seattletimes.com/gettingstarted