This concept has been brought to my attention before, but many people might know it from this popular comic here, where he uses stones instead of points on a paper.

This concept is so abstract to me. A full-functioning computer that can manage algorithms, input, output, etc. without electricity? Surely, it's difficult to visualize because my definition of a computer is not exactly what the word sounds like COMPUTE-ER.

Can someone help me bring the concept to light - the understanding, how to make one, etc? It seems like it'd be an interesting read, although I think I wouldn't be able to make it do anything.

Many thanks in advance for responses. I've tried searching Google, but all I got were ways to diagram code and chart ideas.

-.Justian.