How do you learn techie stuff?

tankgirl1

Probably a daft question, but i was thinking about how little i actually know about pc's etc, and wondered if there were any courses (prefrably free ones!) that you can do to learn techie kind of stuff

how did all you guys aquire your knowledge?

BillScarab

Although I work with computers for a living, I don't do a lot with windows systems so what PC/windows knowledge I have has come from magazines, websites, friends and forums. It might be worth having a look in your local library for books on the subject. Plenty of guides have been written which may be of use.

beefcarrot

The Idiots Guides are good. I've also found that you can learn a lot just by playing around and seeing what happens.

timberflake

I pick things up in much the same way as Bill, read magazines on computers, TV's, anything Techie really. It helps to have an interest in it to begin with (of course!). Google can be your best friend, just type in what you want to know and chances are there will be a number of sites explaining it in depth.

But, the most useful thing I could suggest is play around. If you want to fit some new RAM to your computer for example, google it and give it a try. There is a chance that something could go wrong, but you learn by making mistakes..........I would say that is the best way to learn, read and then get your hands dirty by giving it a go.

wolfman

Yeah I'm very similar to timberflake. Virtually everything I've ever learnt, is through trial and error, picking stuff up, playing around with it etc... Kind of a hobby I guess, keeps my mind occupied.

A lot of it's reading too. If I'm buying a new digital camera I'll read around everywhere, go on forums, ask questions, check magazines etc... before making my decision. And at the same time I take on a load of information/knowledge.

Everything I know about audio and encoding for example has either come from my own experiences, magazines or (and mostly) the hydrogen audio forums.

[Deleted User]

I started using the childrens BBC micro programming guides, sold in the 1980s.... ahh, they'd never publish anything like that anymore, not with the net.

I'd try buying a few computer magazines, trying get your head around some terms and ideas, post a few questions on here and have a go with little projects on your PC.

oldandhappy

We purchased our 1st PC not knowing anything about them at all. Bought a ME system 'easy' guide book and it was a godsend at the time. Progressed to trial and quite a few errors learning mode until "I" could sort most tasks ok. About 1 year ago moved on to XP without the same dedication but I have the basics so that has helped a great deal. Mr Old has no patience with anything but Wood unfortunately so if I do not keep up with the PC no one else will here!!!!. You can learn anything if you really want to
Mrs Happy

olly300

Exactly like BillScarab I work with computers. However I have lots of friends' who don't work with computers but still know a lot. This is because they ask questions, read, experiment and have perseverance.

j_davies

I took a night course IT City and Guilds 1 & 2 and a ECDL also a Webdesign Course, and a MCSE and I help out on 3 forums, but you cant beat a good bit of trial and error with some good old fasioned frustration chucked in for good measure also some magazine reading but not to much, now I do home visits for customers fixing all manner of PC problems mainly user error.

amcluesent

>how did all you guys aquire your knowledge?<

Did some assembler programming on a ZX81. BSc in Computer Science. Software development career on financial services. Joined a .com startup engineering travel web-site. Did MSc. Chief Architect position for national organisation.

Pretty hardcore, I suppose

culpepper

There are plenty of build your own pc books in the local library.
I like micromart magazine as that doesn't patronise too much.
If you have any old computer bits they are worth taking a look at. I taught my son to build,using an old motherboard and bits.