I want to learn!

Hello all,

Definite newbie question. I really want to learn more about IT without going back to school. I have already bought some books and am reading them as I get a chance (Norton's New Inside the PC, Norton's Guide to Upgrading and Repairing PCs, the Hacking Exposed series, an A+ Certification guide book, and a Teach Yourself in 24 Hours book on TCP/IP). I also want to put a Linux OS (probably SuSE 8.0) on my system and learn as much as I can from others willing to share their knowledge (web sites such as this one).

I am really busy at work right now and I don't have much time to do all this stuff at once. I just wanted some suggestions from people that have already been through this on how best to go about this. I am especially interested in security and networks, but I figure I have to learn the inner workings of desktop PCs first.

Thanks in advance, and this is the most informational site I've found.

Ive never used SuSe but i know that if ur a newb u really might want to try redhat 7.3 because its easy to instal and VERY user friendly. as for the other stuff im still a newb.. sorry.

Hi..

Start from the inner working of desktop is a good idea to build strong fundamental. If u really interested in security, I would suggest your next step to computer network before u jump to security. Build your knowledge with TCP/IP and keep on reading the Hacking Exposed.

To be honest with you I've never understood people that take the A+ and the like. Why you wanna fiddle with your hardware anyway? Changeing discs, processors and ordinary maintenance work can be done without something like A+. Trust me, I know **** about hardware and I've never found it to be a problem.

What I'm saying is that you're wasting your time by learning the inner workings of your PC. I'm a professional programmer and have been so for the last four years. I've never once opened up my work computer. If something needs changeing I call for a sysadmin a tech-wonk or someone qualified.

I do think learning TCP/IP is a good thing though. I guess it's the security scene you're trying to get into?

Cheers,

Yeah, read up on TCP. Sams publishing makes good books for learning loads of computer related things, the books are usually aroung $40 so be willing to pay. Focus on things that make up the internet first, the basics I guess. Protocols are a great starting off point. And you do not have to learn the inner workings of a PC to become involved in IT. You really need t specifiy, there are so many possible jobs for somebody interested in IT. Everything has a branch, you have to specify a little.

Learning a bit about hardware is just good because it's really not that difficult subject. I have changed motherboards and graphics cards and stuff, all you really need is a screw driver and a steady enough hand (or two ;)). And if you get a wise enough box, you don't even need the screw driver. :)

Mankan, you'd save a lot with the tech support costs if you just bought a book and learned to change your own hardware...

Oh, and welcome to AO, MadBadger!

Learning about shell scripting and pearl can help too.

I agree. Perl is a good language to start with if you're on *nix. It's also a nifty language to show off your elite TCP-skills once you feel you know what you're doing.

although i'm still learning myself, what i've done is started learning various areas about computers it'll give me a bit of an idea of the computer and how they work in general, and try to gain expertise in one single area (hardware, networking, programming etc) and once you become proficient in one area start learning in another area that you're interested in, then...well you get the idea. learn the BASICS of each area if you can/want and then become good in just one area ;)

For ease of use I'd say besides windows Ive never had anything install easier than mandrake.

When I first started to install Linux I ran into problems with slackware suse and redhat but mandrake is dummy proof. Plus the default install will install a ton of programs and window managers that are either mostly useful or at least enjoyable.

This way you don't have to immediately have to learn to get things configured AND learn to use RPM or learn to install source or binary's. You can just get it installed and have a semi-useful system without a whole lot of work. Then you can screw with the already installed programs otherwise you may be biting off more than you can chew.

I did the same thing as you, started out by getting A+ and I wish I hadn't. The knowledge is useful, --but not that useful.

IMHO I'd say don't sweat the hardware at first, just learn how the OS works cause most stuff is plug and play anyway and it all works in the same way, it does or it doesnt.

Ooh, I forgot. As far as learning a programming language, I'd say learn shell scripting first and then perpahs move to Python. Python, in my opinion, is easier to get started with than perl, though admitedly I like perl better.

You can install activepython from www.activestate.com on your windows box without any effort and start scripting quickly as activepython has enough documentation with the install to get going without having to purchase any perl books.

One other suggestion: I love the O'reiley books but when I first got started I found that the O'reiley book "Learning Perl" was a little more obtuse than a green newbie may like. I have had friends that loved that book though. The important thing to note is that just because a certain book works for your buddy, it may be crappy for you as everyone learns differently.

cachinga

I think if you want to be good at computers you surely must have C/C++ skills. Exept you work with art or music. ;) You must read the source of any new program if you are admin. And you must edit the code till the fix for bug will be released. Without C/C++ skills it's hard to be good.

Outstanding, thanks for all the ideas.....exactly what I was looking for.....

Once again, this is a great site.

hmm Systems Annalyst is a good start..
what i'd do.... there's an institue here called TAFE.. and i went to their website.. checked which course i wanna learn about.. THEN i checked the modules of the courses.. and searched for the books that would teach me those modules.. so i would know just as much as the people who did the courses.. only difference is.. they have the diploma/certificate.. i dont.

Hi there,

Learning about the inner workings of your PC would be a good way to start your path in IT, although I agree with the guys that it is not quite necessary but helpful if you know a thing or two under the hood of your machine.

Having a good set of books like the ones that you have would be helpful as well, try to look at O'Reilly books when you're waddling your toes on networking, security, programming and *nix-related subjects.

Having a daytime job and learning at the same time at your own pace can be tough at times, I myself continues to undergo the same process eventhough I've been in the IT industry for more than 6 years now and I continue to learn new things as much as my mind can digest the information. But of course, overtime/overnight office work is invevitable that can really drains the life force out of you and steals your study time after work.

For programming, well... there are actually several good programming languages to start from, you could try python or perl for starters. As cachinga suggested, try browsing www.activestate.com they have free downloaded perl and python for windows and linux. So, just in case you haven't purchase a linux distribution (slackware, redhat, suse,caldera...etc.) you can start off with your windows box, assuming that this is the current operating system of your PC.

The key in making your way into the IT world, you gotta have perseverance to learn more inspite of all the usual stumbling blocks (work, etc.) that gets in your way as you go on.

Hope this helps.

Helllo

I know you want to learn that stuff but all i can say is that it takes time and patience not because your reading different kinds of books about security and hacking expose(GREAT BOOK i recommend you read this stuff) ,TCP/IP as a newbie here i already know that it takes time to learn this stuff but out off curiousity in the internet, security in the net i started to study the basic before going to advance course i know it will take time but if you really like to learn you'll give some time for it even if you have to work hard maybe try this links

http://www.hackers.com

it will sure provide you some good stuff but dont use it for others

"If you like to learn there million of ways to do it but if you dont like there many excuse/reason for it"

i know that you can do it

s0nic,
Do you mind telling me the name of that site?

Bingo

I got into the IT field about a year ago. I learned a lot of stuff by running my own little personal network and making sure everything works. That way i got a little hands on experience and when i did get into the field it was a much easier transition. The stuff that i read and practiced payed off because it gave me a better understanding of what and how everything works. Also read up on TCP/IP.

If you are interested in network and security, try taking CCNA and MCSE, that will be good for you, I think!

and also, I don't think take program language is a good idea. people cannot program at every age. except you are really interested in Program!

After TCP/IP and learning Linux and Perl, what would you reccomend? Right now I am doing those three and wander where to go after that to get involved in the security world. I would say networking, but what about after that?

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Originally posted here by ArmyOfOne
After TCP/IP and learning Linux and Perl, what would you reccomend? Right now I am doing those three and wander where to go after that to get involved in the security world. I would say networking, but what about after that?

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Learning TCP/IP is a great start, but I would recommend learning about ALL aspects of networking if you truly want to be good at securing networks.

It all depends on what you want to do.

Here's a good link to start with..

Ennis's awesome Newbie FAQ

Read thru it and check out his HUGE collection of links...

G/l ...

Nortell Networks has a great networking book out its like $40.00 and it has everything you would ever want to know about networking not just tcp/ip but token ring and atm as well i would suggest that as a good start

Quote:

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Originally posted here by MadBadger
I really want to learn more about IT without going back to school.

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I would say to get a good idea about how PC's work, reading the A+ books would be a great start, and I would suggest if your taking that step, getting A+ certified is not a bad thing to look into. It is a test you can sign up to take. only a hundred sum dollars. From there, setting up a small network at your house/apartment would be another way to get your skills built up, and from there.... Start learning you linux...

Quote:

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Originally posted here by MadBadger
I also want to put a Linux OS (probably SuSE 8.0) on my system and learn as much as I can from others willing to share their knowledge (web sites such as this one).

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I believe Red Hat is one of the easiest for newbies to learn, I would suggest Mandrake or Red Hat. One you have configured a fully operational linux machine, and learned the basic commands. I would suggest trying to implement a or maybe a couple linux machines into your network. By then you should be confident enough to learn programming. Just a couple things to keep you busy when you decide to learn.....

Thanks for all the advice, everyone's input is really appreciated.

I think I'll definitely try to network several computers at home as I read my books, I seem to learn better by actually doing things then figuring out why it does or doesn't work. I have a one-way satellite internet connection (uploads through the phone line, downloads through the dish) and I'm not really sure if it'll be harder to network than DSL or cable, I don't think it will be.

I'm going to buy a Linux OS this weekend, probably Mandrake or Red Hat (thanks to the replies I've got).

-> Network different computers with different OSs in your room, get everything to play well together. Challenging, edumacational, and when its works its quite satisfying (I'm working on it myself nowadays). If you have space, throw in a big wooden table to spill your computers' guts out, since you are interested in hardware, as I am. (There is a definite hardware angle to system security, part of protocol ya know.)

-> Take the certifications, if you want to, later on, after you have the hands on. If you really want to, you can find the certs out there and try your hand, since they are usually randomized tests, take them as many times as you want. But remember, the certs mean **** if you can't do it hands on.

-> You can network your boxes through a switch, but try other configurations as well. Each new set-up will give an array of challenges. Whatever form of linux you put on, you might try using a linux box as the gateway/firewall, (configure IPchains/tables) and I think that will help your TCP/IP know-how quite a bit.

-> always always read the forum.

-> Read the book "Security Engineering" by Ross Anderson, for a panoramic view of security.

I know where you are coming from. I did IT in college for two years and difficulties meant I lagged behind a bit. I work at an IT firm now and I found the best possible way of learning IT is to do it in the following steps.

Learn about fixing and upgrading the PC hardware wise but dont go to deep into it. Knowing how to make and configure one for now is fine.

Then get some "CORE" knowledge to build on. (TCP/IP) is good for this. once you understand more about newtworks, keep studying the PC working ect and build a knowledge of OS's. choose like WIN 98 UNIX XP Win 2k NT and so forth.

hope this helps a bit its simple I know but thats the basics to get you started.

Well guys..
We all need to start somewhere..Ther are many guys i know who started with the measly gwbasic and then went up to pascal and then to c..java..c++..i too did this and am proud to have gained a lot of knowledge about computers..now i have learnt asm too which i am trying to perfect more...try this time tested road..and i assure you u will be satisfied when you look down the memory lane later..Happy Programming