Ask HN: What computer skills should you learn first?

by Sagat on 8/28/2013, 3:08 PM with 8 comments

I know how to roughly use a computer and fix most technical issues thanks to Google. But I don't know much more than that (no programming or hardware experience for instance) and I don't know where to start.

What should be the first things to learn when trying to become more computer literate after mastering the basics?

Regards

  • by winter_blue on 8/28/2013, 4:12 PM

    I'd suggest two things:

    * Learn Python -- try making some small tools in it.

    * Learn how to use Linux -- you can start with Kubuntu and familiarize yourself with terminal and the other things you'll encounter here.

    But really -- if you want to be more "computer literate", just focus on programming. Writing small tools; and maybe even taking on a big project like building a 2D game (if that's what you want)...

  • by p1esk on 9/1/2013, 9:16 PM

    Read "Code" by Petzold.

    As far as practical computer skills, study any book on A+ certification (maybe even get that cert), then learn Linux/Python

  • by NAFV_P on 9/3/2013, 3:30 PM

    To print the contents of a file onscreen.... If you want to do it in 1 line of code: bash If you want to do it in 5: Python If you want to do it in 30: C

  • by ficklelarry on 8/28/2013, 3:14 PM

    How to use a terminal

  • by paloohza on 8/28/2013, 3:54 PM

    check out some courses on - codecademy.com, codeschool.com, and teamtreehouse.com/,

  • by dossy on 8/28/2013, 3:15 PM

    How to Google search.