CTS 10-12: Networking: How Stuff Works

In this video, Airplane Mode is explained like you're five — because let’s be honest, that’s what we all need.

This episode describes electric current, voltaic cells, and how we get electric charge.

Ever wonder how your phone knows it’s you and not your nosy little brother with a photo? We break down how Face ID actually works

In this technical breakdown, we’ll take you step-by-step through how a simple request—like watching a cat fall off a couch—travels across the planet to your phone in less than a blink.

This video describes one of the key innovations in the development of modern computers: the transistor.

In this video, we break down the science of wireless charging and explain how your phone seems to pull power right out of thin air.

Ever point your phone at that weird black-and-white square and wonder how on earth it works? Today, we’re breaking down QR codes like you’re five.

A hidden network of fiber cables links our planet and makes the internet possible. What is fiber optics, how does it work, and how is it evolving? Related Lesson

Travel into a computer chip to explore how these devices are manufactured and what can be done about their environmental impact. Related Lesson

This video explains network theory and how networks keep us connected. Learn how we live within a web of networks, not just on social media. How does Googling a single word provide millions of results? Related Lesson

So, what exactly does airplane mode do? Lindsay DeMarchi explains the setting's importance for the networks around you. Related Lesson

Inside each smart phone are rare metals including gold, silver, and copper. How can we reclaim these precious elements? Related Lesson

This video explains how VPNs work to encrypt your data, mask your IP address and location, and provide an anonymous browsing experience.

When the internet divides into separate internets due to censorship, it creates a splinternet. Content filtering and censorship of the splinternet can lead to misinformation and the spread of propaganda.

In this video, we’ll explain how VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) really work — broken down so simply, it’s like you’re five years old.

Right now, you’re staring at a glowing magic box and probably have no idea how it actually works. Don’t worry—you’re not alone.

A computer has several types of memory in it. Why does it need more than one? Let's find out! Related Lesson

The modern hard drive can hold more information than your local library. How does it store so much information in such a small space? Related Lesson

Watch this video and learn about the components of a computer and how they work together Related Lesson

Have you ever wanted to send an encoded message that only a handful of people could actually decode? This conversion tool will take any text string and convert it into binary code.

This is an interactive tool that supports conversion to binary/decimal/hex as you type or copy/paste ASCII and Unicode characters.

The most basic unit of information in a computer is in binary code. Learn about this hidden language of computers. Related Lesson

Ever heard someone talk about “mining Bitcoin” and just nodded along, secretly hoping they wouldn’t ask you to explain it? Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Alright, let’s be honest — you’ve been nodding along to conversations about Bitcoin and Ethereum for years, secretly hoping nobody asks you to explain the difference. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Cloud security is the practice of protecting cloud-based data, applications, and infrastructure from cyberattacks.

You’ll finally understand what happens when your phone says “Storage Almost Full,” why you pay monthly fees for cloud space, and how your files are kept safe in massive data centers filled with powerful computers.