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Little known to most, there are many benefits to being a computer geek. In our high-tech society, being a computer guru can be one of the most high paying jobs available and computer geeks are in high demand, especially for network administrator jobs. By tapping into your inner geek, you can develop a most useful skill that will be sure to pay off later in life.
Steps
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Learn what hardware is. Hardware is the physical stuff that makes up the computer and the media that is used to connect computers to other computers.
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Learn what software is. Software is the stuff that makes the computer work and it includes the applications, protocols, and the operating system.Advertisement
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Learn the specs (technical specifications) of your computer. There are some programs one can use in order to learn the specific specs a computer has, if you do not know off-hand. E.g. CPU-Z.
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Learn to use your computer's command line , but use it when you need to. Learning to use your computer's command line (MS DOS Prompt/Command Prompt in Windows, Terminal or Konsole in Linux) is essential to at least boosting your efficiency on your computer. In Windows, the DOS prompt isn't especially useful, but it's a good idea to know how to use it. However, in Linux or UNIX, Mac or BSD, or other Unix-like operating systems, it is important to be able to use the command line so that you can work more efficiently via bash scripts.
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Learn to type without looking at the keyboard. This isn't especially important, but this will definitely boost your efficiency at the computer, and make yourself look more sensible.
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Ask . If someone does something on a computer that you would like to know, ask them about it.
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Learn a programming language . This is one of the most important things to do. Don't confuse certain types of languages with others. Interpreted languages like BASIC aren't very good for true computer programming, but if all you want to do is write a simple computer game, it's fine. HTML or CSS are for web pages, and it's a good idea to know them, but they won't be especially useful for really programming your computer. It is recommended that you learn the scripting language of your prompt (e.g. Bash) as that will bring power and simplicity for a novice programmer and admin. However, you may learn any language you like.
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Start learning basic repair procedures. This can help you out a lot if your or someone else's computer breaks down, which will also increase your reputation as a computer geek. You may learn the advanced methods, but that may require lessons from an actual computer geek.
- Check for tutorials online on basic computer repairs.
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Work with others with their computer problems . By interacting with other PC users, you may find that they know things that you don't and vice versa. However, as a computer geek wannabe, you'll want to know more about computer than your friends, at any given time.
- Try taking apart old computers to get an understanding of the parts inside, and try small fixes on your own after watching YouTube videos on the problem.
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Help others out with their computer problems. Not only will you build a name for yourself, but it is good practice and can help you learn about situations and problems you have not encountered before.
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Learn how to install and upgrade drivers for various hardware types . This will come in handy when you re-install your Operating System.
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Learn to recognize malware . Malware includes such nasty stuff as computer viruses and spyware. Checking for Malware should be conducted before running the daily antivirus/antispyware scans.
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Use a restrictive firewall . A good firewall is one that would cause normal people to cry because they don't understand how to use it. Of course, you should know how to use it!
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Use an Open Source Operating System . Most computer geeks will use an open OS such as *BSD or Linux , because it is (usually) free and allows them to do geeky stuff such as programming, running servers and using a command line interface (CLI).
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Use Shortcuts . It is important to know shortcuts as it shaves off valuable seconds of your precious time.
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Remember to keep things simple. Skip overwhelming or overly-complicated ideas. Instead, focus on learning the knowledge and skills you may need to accomplish a big idea in the future.
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Expand your knowledge . Computer geeks aren't too smart to learn something new about computers. True computer geeks are always learning, and when they don't understand, always asking for help. Collect knowledge. Put things together. Read articles on Wikipedia, join computer forums for your programming language or just regular forums, and ask questions. If you have trouble learning, write things down and quiz yourself. Whatever your methods, be sure to be continuously learning more about computers.
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Learn particular types of math . This is very important to geeks. One bit of data is a binary digit - a one or a zero. Eight bits make a byte. Learn how many bytes are in a kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB), gigabyte (GB) and so on. While most people think that there are 1024 megabytes in a gigabyte, there actually aren't. There are exactly 1000 megabytes in a gigabyte. The things that most people are speaking about are gigabytes and megabytes.
- Do some research on the topic of data storage. Once you have that down, get comfortable with binary . From there, learn to use octal and hexadecimal , and how to convert from one base to another. When you understand why programmers always get Christmas and Halloween mixed up, you're well on your way to becoming a true geek.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I get better at helping people with their computer issues?Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.Make sure you work on your customer service skills so you can efficiently communicate with others about what's causing the issue and what you need to do to fix it.
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QuestionHow do I fix hardware?Community AnswerIn general, broken hardware cannot be fixed, at least by an amateur. Depending on what it is, you may be able to take it to a professional, but usually it's better and safer to just replace the broken piece of hardware with a new one.
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QuestionWhat should I know before starting programming?Community AnswerYou should learn the language and fully understand the fundamentals and what it is typically used for. Once you figure that out you should probably test yourself. After that you have to figure out what you are going to do.
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Tips
- If you use Windows, Mac, or GNU/Linux, obtain anti-virus and spyware software to keep your computer infection-free. Be sure you are wary of what anti-virus and spyware programs you download, however, as many turn out to be more malicious than the problems they are supposed to prevent.Thanks
- When fixing software, keep a USB with you, containing at least 5 different antivirus and antispyware products and an open OS.Thanks
- Always have a better sort of cooling system when overclocking computers. When overclocking really high, liquid cooling is recommended.Thanks
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Warnings
- Don't misunderstand the meaning of a computer geek. A computer geek is not a person who talks with chat room language (using codes like ROFL, 1337, etc.), uses nothing but the command line to write "fake virus" batch files (or writes real harmful computer viruses), but rather a person with a genuine interest and passion for computer technology who wants to learn everything they can. If you want to learn about computers and contribute and use them in constructive ways, and will accept new knowledge, you are a true computer geek.Thanks
- Trying to fix computer problems (specifically hardware problems) may void the said hardware's warranty.Thanks
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