What's the best way to learn more about some basic computer stuff?

**GladiatorWCR** · February 15th, 2005, 10:32 PM

Obviously very vague... But forgive me ;p. Anyway, as I look through some of the threads here, some of them are kinda crazy lol. I have no idea what the people who are asking the question are talking about.. Let alone the people ANSWERING the question. What are some good ways to just learn a little more about computers, like how to install stuff easily, etc. Not some crazy hacking stuff, just simple stuff.
Thanks in advance.

**nunyadam** · February 15th, 2005, 10:50 PM

Build one.

**GroundZero3** · February 15th, 2005, 10:54 PM

the way i learn is from my job and breaking the computer and trying to fix it.

**SpaceSquad** · February 15th, 2005, 11:12 PM

Good advice so far!

Maybe find a friend with comp knowledge too. Maybe he will rub off on you

**Ryanoffski** · February 15th, 2005, 11:17 PM

Most I ever learned was from building my own computer, and then fixing the problems that arised, and fixing problems on my family's/friends computers. Browsing TIMO has taught me a lot too.

**MoJoe** · February 15th, 2005, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by SpaceSquad

Maybe he will rub off on you

I know I'm perverted and disguesting, but that just sounded really nasty.

**blubomber** · February 15th, 2005, 11:42 PM

I too learned from just messing around with my home computer and alot of research. Just find some good tech websites and start reading. Google will become your best friend.

If you dont understand something and dont have any friends to ask, just come back here and post your questions. You have found the best group of people on the internet. IMHO.

**GladiatorWCR** · February 15th, 2005, 11:53 PM

Thanks

.
The problem with doing things like rebuilding my computer is that I don't know if i CAN, lol. True, I could ask you guys for help, and I'm sure after a lot of work I could make it work. Problem is, it'd take days, and I'm talking things I would do 30-45 minutes a day, not a 4 day thing ;/ .

**SpaceSquad** · February 15th, 2005, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by MoJoe

I know I'm perverted and disguesting, but that just sounded really nasty.

lol, now that you mention it, it does

**kenboyles72** · February 16th, 2005, 12:14 AM

Originally Posted by GladiatorWCR

Thanks

.
The problem with doing things like rebuilding my computer is that I don't know if i CAN, .

just give it a try, even if it does take several days. thats how i learned. started off with windows 3.1, crashed that sucker a hundred times. i just reinstalled and went back to where i left off. most pc knowledge comes from experience, even if you have only done something once or takes you a while to do it. been messing around pcs for 12 years, decided to get a degree so maybe i could get a high paying job. started school, and found that i actually knew more than some of teachers there. sure you can get advice from tech forums, i do, and thats why we're here. but theres nothing better than experience. so get out there and fry a couple of mbs or totally crash your system, hell i know i did.

**HeadBand** · February 16th, 2005, 12:24 AM

you could start by just removing and replaceing one thing at a time

if you want something pretty structured see if you can find some of mike meyers A+ videos, they're informitave and entertaining

**jagnorm** · February 16th, 2005, 12:53 AM

The first place to start would be to understand the components that make up a computer:
A case that fits your purpose or desire.
Quality Power Supply
A good Mother Board & Processor (the two should compliment each other)
Sufficiant amount of ram to compliment your Mother Board and Processor.
Good graphics card if you are into gaming.
Get a quality hard drive size and type depending on what you want to do with your computer.
A basic modem
A basic floppy drive
CDRW or DVDRW etc..
There is a lot you can do when you build your own computer.
TechImo is a great place to find answers to your questions.
p.s. Don't Forget an operating system.....

**butch81385** · February 16th, 2005, 12:54 AM

break and build, break and build
experiment

find some old parts and build something cheap.
ask lots of questions, and when we answer, ask questions about the answers, thats how i learned

**JPMiller** · February 16th, 2005, 01:49 AM

here are some helpful links...
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/...5E1065,00.html
http://www.buildeasypc.com/hw/howto/assemblepc.htm
http://home.bluegrass.net/~keith/index010.html
http://www.g4tv.com/callforhelp/feat...ur_Own_PC.html
http://about.com/compute/
http://www.pcnineoneone.com/

**bombledmonk** · February 16th, 2005, 02:24 AM

Read Reviews. Lot's of them. Once you start reading you will get an idea of how parts interact and what is needed to do certain things(vague description..lol). It helps you develop a better understanding for computer technollogy in general and many reviewers write at least part of the review in words that a beginner can understand. You will start to pick up context after that. Check the main page of Techimo for these reviews and read away.

**Horrorshow** · February 16th, 2005, 02:27 AM

well, building a computer helped me. I thought i knew everything about computers until i had to put one together.

**PoonDoggy** · February 16th, 2005, 02:33 AM

I have to agree with the "Building a computer helped me."

Learn to diagnose Hardware and Software issues.

www.technet.com

**logand** · February 16th, 2005, 01:47 PM

I have learned by messing around with my good computer, as well as using old computers and hardware/software for experimentation.

**-FMA** · February 16th, 2005, 07:55 PM

I leared a ton here on techimo
I know a good ammount about computers not but some things I cannot answer.
Before I came to techimo I did a ton of research also which made me familiar with the basic components.