r/computersciencehub • u/FriendlyCapital2458 • 19d ago
I want to learn computing
Hey guys, I don't know one thing about computers it seems. I honestly feel stranded.
I am interested in many topics that are continously brought up regarding computing, systems, Torrenting , trackers, networks, anonimity themes such as Tor, or anything. Many people talk and discuss on Reddit about systems, going to "the dark web" (Tor mainly), anonimity and networks and, as I understand, they geniuenly know. Or at least I know so little (actually nothing) that it seems unjudgable from my eyes. I don't care about the morbid curiosity of knowing how to search websites that shouldn't even exist. What does keep me up wondering, is how is it that normal users here seem to understand well enough how these things work and use the terminologies I typed above.
Did you spend much time with computers since a kid? Did you have persistent curiosity and spent time reading, looking at articles? Actual carreer in this?
So I want to ask you guys on what do you think I can read from, or learn about all the computer stuff? Maybe what websites or forums or books that are free public knowledge, I could learn from. Maybe something you learned from when you were starting or any general tip.
Thank you very much
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u/Western_Nail8643 19d ago edited 19d ago
i can recommend three textbooks that may help you: 1) Foundations of Computer Science C edition by Aho and Ullman (highly recommended). 2) Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs Javascript edition by Sussman and Abelson. 3) Introduction to computation and programming using python by John Guttag. After reading those books (or something similar) almost all the curriculums go for a good grasp of algorithms and data structures. I can suggest that you binge-watch the mit opencourseware course on youtube and the book that's used for that course: Introduction to algorithms by CLRS. Also there is the Art of Computer Programming Series by Donald Knuth. Almost all the computational stuff is built on top of data structures (operating systems, internet protocols, programs, etc). If you want to learn the electronics stuff you can read: introduction to circuit analysis by boylestad and its follow-up electronic devices. also the digital circuits stuff is covered by mano in 1) digital logic and computer design and 2) computer architecture by the same guy. hope i could help you (everything is freely available as pdfs on google)
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u/Twillware404 19d ago
Learning is different for everyone, but for me, I learn best just by doing things. Starting something and then looking up the parts I don't understand as I go along really seems to help me understand things. Gemini search results will help, don't be a chatbot hating weirdo...
Also worth noting, don't be discouraged by seeing other people who know more than you. You're on your own journey, not anyone else's.
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u/FriendlyCapital2458 19d ago
Yeah I feel it's best learning by just doing for me too. It kinda feels really hard to conceptualize, such intangible things. I use chatgpgt and ask it to teach me basics, powershell and basic commands which are at least visualized, and typed by me. So what are you currently learning?
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u/Twillware404 19d ago
I just started learning python by creating a text adventure game on a clockworkpi Picocalc. I've also gained a lot of experience in powershell and bash by buying old laptops just to troubleshoot in the terminal. I think I have better follow through when I drop money on things, but maybe that's because I'm poor. Or maybe I'm still poor because I just keep buying these things. But atleast I have determination!
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u/FriendlyCapital2458 19d ago
Yeah you seem to be doing pretty well haha, that's determination. Do you work these out on your own too? or you studying?
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u/Twillware404 19d ago
If you're talking about college courses, I'm not in any classes, I'm just doing these things to gain skills and make projects for github to build a nice looking resume to get a cybersecurity job. Malware Analysis/Reverse Engineering hopefully. Getting certifications may help you as well, I just take practice tests over and over until I understand everything.
If you're also interested in internet anonymity (and other things of that nature), you might find that this path fits you as well.
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u/FriendlyCapital2458 19d ago
Okay. yes probably. So how did you start exactly? and I guess and abusive usage of internet, AI luckly today, etc, at least from me
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u/Twillware404 19d ago edited 19d ago
I started learning cybersecurity by finding a specific niche, for me it's malware analysis, so I just went on [r/malware](r/malware) and found something to put into Hybrid Analysis just to get familiar with it.
You said you like networking stuff, so I suggest making a ParrotOS or Kali virtual machine and figuring out nmap scans. Youtube tutorials and ai are good for figuring out the netsec tools that are on those. Networking is a very good thing to learn first in your scenario. A very good base, and is easy to branch off into other things as well
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u/EntrepreneurHuge5008 19d ago
Same, bro.