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simple metaphor for computer science

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by snuffy09

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I usually tell people to think of an office

Room/environment (operating system)
Office Worker (Processor)(Dual core? a office worker with 2 heads, or 2 office workers?)
Desk or work space (memory)
Filing cabinet (Hard Drive)
Papers/Documents and projects (Programs, services, and other software)

So how many projects or programs you can work on at the same time deppends on how much free space is left on your desk.
MEMORY

How fast you can complete these projects is how fast you can think and act.
PROCESSOR

If you run out of free space on your desktop you have to swap files with your Filing cabinet
PAGING FILE or HD ACTIVITY

What are some other ways to explain what goes on under the hood?

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by notsochiguy

When I worked in phone support for an online stock data firm, I used to tell people that calling me about their connectivity woes was akin to calling the Mayor of Denver about hitting pot holes in Illinois while driving there from NYC. I can offer my sympathy on the rough journey, but otherwise, not much in the way of resolution I could offer (other than extend their account access by a week or two...freebies are the great American pacifier).

I put it much better than that, I assure you! :)

I know if reads rough, but you get the gist.

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