Computer Basics for Noobs

Some Reddit users ask for the "Basics" of how a computer works
Some responders will tell you a transistor is a "switch" that is either "on" or "off"
Typically, "on" is represented by an in-circuit positive voltage like +3.3V or more
Typically, "off" is represented by an in-circuit ground voltage like +0.3V or less


That explanation is misleading.
A basic transistor circuit (e.g. with a resistive load) works as a voltage inverting amplifier.

Put in a voltage representing "0" and the circuit outputs a voltage representing "1"
Put in a voltage representing "1" and the circuit outputs a voltage representing "0"



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