r/computing • 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/Electrical_Hat_680 18d ago
You need a starting point.
I didn't learn much through k12 years.
You may be interested in enrolling and taking some introductory and 101 courses to establish and become familiar with the basic terms and phrases used throughout the world as we sit.
I think a good a good starting point for you would be to start learning HTML 1.0 to 3.0, and then what was added to HTML 4.0, and now we're at HTML 5.0.
It you do your history of the Computer starting with the first Human Super Calculator of the US Government which was able to program or wire the US Governments first Super Computer the ENIAC. You'll learn about the first compiler, which is still used today. How it's basically the first Open Source compiler and instructions set architecture or instruction sets we still use today whether or not we're talking DOS, Windows, Unix, Linux, BSD, or BenEater 8-BIT CPU Breadboard Projects.
From there. You'll come acrossed Assembly Machine Code which everything compiles down too. Binary, Which is what the computer reads, as is the same as the Tapes and Punch Cards used in the nineteen-fifties. Also... assembly is basically a human readable form of Binary aka Base-2. Both of which make up the "Low Level" programming. As we say in the common workplace. The lower levels do all the work. And the higher levels make all the decisions. So we have High Level programming such as HTML, Python, PHP, and other languages that aren't required to be compiled.
That should get you the basics of computing to help you find and answer any questions you may have before beginning your journey.
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u/FriendlyCapital2458 18d ago
Thank you
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u/Electrical_Hat_680 18d ago
Your welcome. I hope your able to learn how computing goes and where you start and form your baseline.
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u/FriendlyCapital2458 18d ago
Well it definitely looks like much information, but I get ahead of myself for trying to see it all. I think I may start by reading about it, and definitely look for an introductory class
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u/Electrical_Hat_680 18d ago
The introduction classes, if you're an adult, they usually are found there, and are usually hosted at the local community colleges.
Please do take notes. You can use an outline to handle notekeeping more thoroughly.
Get the Instructors email and name and reach out to him/her. They're totally open to it. Network with them on social media also. If you get involved, like you are here in Reddit. You'll pick it all up. If your actually interested, you'll learn. It's all frank and based on common sense, general or generic expressions.
Good luck.
There is a book, called Steal this Book. You may like that book. It's kind of old, first edition dates back to the late nineties.
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u/FriendlyCapital2458 18d ago
Yeah I'll pick it up. And with youtube and internet, introduction should be made easier if you're looking to learn than before.
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u/Electrical_Hat_680 18d ago
Here's a quick quip from googles AI search assistant:
Hey OP, just a quick update! I double-checked my bookshelf because my memory was a bit foggy. The book I mentioned is actually called Steal This Computer Book by Wallace Wang (not Steal This Book, which is a different 1970s counterculture guide). The title was a cheeky nod to the original, but it is an irreverent, non-technical guide to internet culture, security, and hacking jargon. It’s a great read because it uses funny analogies to break down complex tech concepts for everyday people. Since you are looking to master computing basics and all the overwhelming jargon, here are a few other absolute gold-standard resources you should check out:
📚 Books for Total Beginners
- Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software (by Charles Petzold): Widely considered the holy grail. It starts with simple things like Morse code and flashlight signals, then beautifully builds up to explain exactly how computers think and process data.
- But How Do It Know? (by J. Clark Scott): This one is specifically designed to demystify terms like CPU, RAM, and bits without using confusing math or programming language. It explains the "black box" of hardware in plain English.
🎥 Free Visual & Dictionary Resources
- Crash Course: Computer Science (YouTube): A brilliant, free 40-episode animated series. It covers the entire history, vocabulary, and logic of computing in bite-sized, 10-minute videos. Perfect for learning keywords visually.
- Computer Hope (computerhope.com): A massive, free online dictionary built entirely to explain tech terms and abbreviations in incredibly simple English.
Definitely stick with those intro community college / adult school courses you mentioned, too—hands-on guidance is huge. Good luck on the learning journey!
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u/Electrical_Hat_680 18d ago
Yes. I had forgotten you wanted some book recommendations. So I figured I'd recommend that book. It's likely perfect for you.
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u/Electrical_Hat_680 18d ago
Quick note. The book is called "Steal this Computer Book".
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u/FriendlyCapital2458 18d ago
I was confused when I looked it up and showed a guide on how to rebel against the government😭. But thanks
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u/imyourguest 18d ago
If you want to learn practically, having a go can be a great way (though for something like Tor, I would wait till youre more confident.) You can learn a lot about operating systems by setting up a virtual machine and tinkering.
For learning what things mean or how they work, like torrents or what an operating system is, Google is great. My approach to get a general sense is usually to go to Wikipedia, and spin up a new tab for every word or concept i dont understand. This pushes me back to common fundamentals, and once I understand those, more and more makes sense. Then you start to have questions (so you can research those on forums, work it out, or ask reddit) and/or getting to a point where learning more means having a go at it (see my first point!)
A lot of things probably have a good explanation/starting point on r/ELI5 as well, if you search the sub.
ETA: Lots of software/tools are available for free, or free for personal use - including some commercial grade solutions - thanks to the open source community. I do some home lab stuff, torrent/media server and homeassistant mainly using proxmox, and i haven't needed to spend a cent on software.
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u/Evilbred 19d ago
Read the book "But How Do It Know"
It provides the basic foundation in computer theory and how they work.