S S

Hi. I actually joined this place because I don't know much about computers at all. I took a web design class and did some HTML, but other than that it's been nothing. I've decided I want to get serious about learning this stuff in general instead of wasting my life away, but there are so many things and I don't know where to start. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. I know there are many things you have to learn before you begin programming, and I'm ready to learn.

iEngage

well.. the thing about being a self-taught computer geek is that you learn as you go, and learn the things that interest you.

for instance. when i was younger i discovered IRC. I downloaded mIRC and naturally i started learning mIRC scripting as well. Eventually I had built a full mIRC script from the ground up and was quite pleased with myself.

Another recent project I've been working on is getting linux applications to run under windows. So i started doing the research and discovered coLinux. I have now successfully installed a Ubuntu alternate CD install into an image file that I run with coLinux. It can do anything Ubuntu could do if you installed normally to a partition on your hard drive. It also has VERY little performance decrease! (I love it!!! lol)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you do want to learn programming, just go for it. If there is some knowledge that you find you don't have that you want/need to know, just research it.

I know this was a kind of vague response, but it's really all I can tell you. It's how most of us computer geeks get started.

Have fun! and feel free to post any questions you have, but make sure to use Google first!

__________________
iEngage

Grich

Get yourself a compiler for a programming language. You will get alot of suggestions on what language you should start with, it doesn't matter really, as long as you pick up the concept of programming.
I suggest you start with an easy programming language, like Python or FreeBasic (Google them).
They are easy to understand and a fun way to learn about programming.
As for knowing many things before programming, not really, I still don't know how a computer works fully, it's just a black box that does my instructions for me.

__________________
SYNTAX ERROR ...

BstrucT

Here's a Checklist to get you started:

1.) Computer..............................
2.) IDE........................................
3.) Programming Book................
4.) Online tutorials.....................
5.) Google..................................
6.) Lots of Coffee!!!...................

HeHe
>BstrucT

__________________
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

lectricpharaoh

Welcome to the forums, S S. I recommend giving C# a try. You can download the compiler and IDE for free from Microsoft (I'm too lazy to dig up the link, but just poke around a bit).
Chocolate-covered coffee beans are excellent, as well. You can have your daily dose of both caffeine and theobromine in a tasty form. You can be more productive too, since you're not running to the bathroom as often.

__________________
And once again, Probability proves itself willing to sneak into a back alley and service Drama as would a copper-piece harlot.
- Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick