Help finding the right path.

[melakii]

I am kind of in a learning rut right now. I have read enough on Linux to get the basics down pretty good. I am even on my way to learning about tweaking some configurations. It is all great fun but where do I go from there? I would really like to start coding in C++ but it is hard when I have no project to work on or some hard goal to reach. Could someone please help me with some ideas or advice? I am planning on majoring in computer science later in life. (I am only 17). If any of you have any ideas please post I will be very greatful for your answers.

[pooh sun tzu]

First, learn your Operating System. Don't just install and configure it, learn what makes it tick. The world of linux is a completely different mindset than Windows, and only respect towards the OS and a willingness to learn is going to give you a grasp of it's potiential. Master the OS.

As for learning C++, here are a few good places to get you off the ground and into the air:

http://www.intap.net/~drw/cpp/

http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/

http://cplus.about.com/library/blcplustut.htm

[hiddeninclouds]

Have you played with java?

[melakii]

No, I haven't really toyed with Java yet. I have been attempting to learn C++ and so far I am enjoying it. I have also been recieving help with Linux and I have begun to delve into that world full tilt. I love it so much. As far as the programming goes though all I have been able to do is make programs for my math homework problems, it is interesting but I would like to find out how to write programs that work on the network like a sniffer or basic portscanner. ANybody have any suggested reading on socket programming?

[hiddeninclouds]

If you have been learning c++, learn the entire language, you'll find that the basic structure of many languages is very much like c or c++, examples include: php, java, vb.net, c#, and many more. As for network programs, i'd say to learn as much as you can of networks and programming and experment with concepts as you learn

Things to Check out:
OOP- design
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/java/concepts/

SQL- database
http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

OSI Layers- networks
http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/OSI_Layers.asp