mikeman7918 wrote:
A while ago I read a book about the basics of computing which gives an in depth explenation of every wire and transistor in a basic 8 bit computer. Something I really want to do at some point soon is try to build a CPU, I would be lucky if I could get it to handle much more then flashing a few lights but it would still be awesome. Computer science uses information theory a lot for things like data compression, communication within and between machines, data storage, data recovery, and stuff like that. Lately I have been really interested in RAID 5 and 6 parity data generation which I want to try to figure out instead of looking it up because it's a really interesting mathematical probelem that seems quite fun to solve. I have also been interested in computer software that can use simulated "emotions" to alter it's behavior and adapt to complex situations. It's definitely some interesting stuff.
Back in the early days, it wasn't uncommon for hobbyist to make their own 4-bit. They can't do much, but it is a wonderful start.
You might find this site interesting:
http://www.homebrewcpu.com/Not only for the info it contains, and the links, and the bibliography, but also a real, live *working* example of a 1990's style "webring" that still has working nodes (of other homebrew CPU builders, of course)!
http://www.ttlcpu.com/content/links is another linkfest to people who like to roll their own cpu's.
TTL/discrete logic computers were pretty common up until the z80 or so. It's weird though, the first time you see one; you're eye immediately starts looking for that one big chip and it's just not there. That's why modern FPGA homemade CPU's can be so inherently satisfying.
RAID is amazingly fun, productive & protective. Have fun!
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“For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.”
―Carl Sagan