ATTN: Programmers, specialists, tech support etc.

[ahorriblemess]

Did you go to a tech school or a University to learn your skills? I'm 27 and I have absolutely no direction... but besides writing and tinkering with mopeds and bicycles, I'm not really interested in much of anything. Maybe it's just because Linux is so new to me, but I'm really interested in it and I would like to learn more. I would like to learn how to really use Linux and be able to apply it to a career goal.

So, what kind of school would you suggest?

[Fbot1]

What about it is interesting to you?

[ahorriblemess]

Well, all of it I suppose. I'm learning as I go along. But besides basic usage, I would love to learn more about programming... or at least understand what Python is all about and what I can do with it. I see it sitting there in the menu, I want to mess with it.

[finer recliner]

go to the library. find a book called "learn java in 21 days" (or something similar). that will give you a good starting point

[Fbot1]

If you are interested in Python this might be helpful: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Non-Programmer%27s_Tutorial_for_Python .

[BDNiner]

You can learn to program by yourself it just takes determination and depends a little on your level in math. I went to a University but only for the peace of paper, almost everything i know about computers i learnt on my own.

[Vitamin-Carrot]

Ubuntu is addictive isnt it :-P

[1337455 10534]

Best way to learn Python is probably by reading the first 40 or 50 pages of Bruce Eckel's "Thinking in C++ Vol. 1". Free download at www.bruceeckel.com.
After you have digested that thoroughly, Python will be a snap. I used "Beginning With Python" by O'Reily (or Appress?) but if you are older (have a math class or two under your belt jk :)) you should definately go for Dive Into Python (also a free download, Google it).

Google and the commandline are your two most reliable friends.
If you ever need help, this forum is where I get 90+% of my "crap this is impossible" questions answered, its also a great place to pose questions of a hypothetical nature and see how you can apply it.

After you learn Python a bit, learn BASH. Seriously. I don't think you can professionally manage (a) Linux Box(es) without shell scripts.

Good luck! :D
Edit: If you are going to do Linux-specific programming, Java may not be the best first option. I havent read "learn java in 21 days", but Bruce Eckel is well known and respected, also was a founding member of the ANSI/ISO C++ standard commitee and was on the Cover of UNIX Review (;). Wait. Theres a UNIX magazine??!?!?! WHAT? No one ever tries to sell us a subscription for that...). Not to say Java is bad, just that there wont be much sense in cross-platform programming (and even if you write in C/C++/Python, all major GUI toolkits are ported to most platforms [Windows, Mac, Os/2 etc.] so it can be compiled for anyone.)

[AtlantaBob]

I'd say do the college/university thing. Yeah, you may waste some time doing English classes (I was an English major undergrad), but the credibility that you gain will help you get a job. IMHO, the days of "he's a bright guy, but he didn't finish school" are over... unfortunately, the B.S. has become a requirement to get a good job,

I'm not a (professional) programmer, I just play one in grad school, so I may be biased against folks who don't have degrees. I'd definitely talk to someone who works in the field (preferably, someone who was hired recently, to see what they'd say).

Either way, good luck!

[1337455 10534]

AtlantaBob has a point. I'm just a kid, so I can't help you make that type of decision, though I hope everything works out well.

[ahorriblemess]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm already checking out those links.

The thing about going to University, I have a 2 year old daughter, her mother and I are going through a breakup and we'll be living separately, but I'll still be spending a lot of time with my daughter (if not living with her), we're not doing the weekend thing, it'll be way more than that. So, going to University might not be plausible at the moment... also considering I've defaulted on my student loans in the past and I'm quite low on funds. But, I was thinking of taking some career training courses in computer repair and A+ certification... lame Windows stuff. It's $600 per course, they last about two months each, so I can get certified pretty quickly and be one of those Geek Squad guys or something, then maybe continue reading and teaching myself Linux and work my way up.. maybe I'll go to JC or something when my daughter gets older or is at least in 1st grade.

Anyway, thanks again for the suggestions. I'll start reading.

[hkgonra]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm already checking out those links.

The thing about going to University, I have a 2 year old daughter, her mother and I are going through a breakup and we'll be living separately, but I'll still be spending a lot of time with my daughter (if not living with her), we're not doing the weekend thing, it'll be way more than that. So, going to University might not be plausible at the moment... also considering I've defaulted on my student loans in the past and I'm quite low on funds. But, I was thinking of taking some career training courses in computer repair and A+ certification... lame Windows stuff. It's $600 per course, they last about two months each, so I can get certified pretty quickly and be one of those Geek Squad guys or something, then maybe continue reading and teaching myself Linux and work my way up.. maybe I'll go to JC or something when my daughter gets older or is at least in 1st grade.

Anyway, thanks again for the suggestions. I'll start reading.


You sound like you are in the same boat I am in.
I would like to find some cert classes like that in my area.
Can anybody suggest any good ones ?

[beercz]

OK, I think I can answer this.

I am now 46 and an IT Director of a Construction Design Company.

I did not get into IT at all until I was in my late 20s.

When I was 33 I started a distance learning computer science degree with the Open University (http://www.open.ac.uk), during which time I was working in IT Training and then branched into Software Development. During that time my two children were born.

I got my current post as I was completing my degree.

I then went on to do a Masters degree and have also done various courses along the way.

I also do some freelance work as well.

Before I got started in IT? I was working with Young People. I have also been a Bingo Caller, Taxi Driver, Bar Man and worked on a fairground.

What I am really saying, speaking from my own experience, is that if you are really determined it is possible to work in the IT industry, It takes effort and commitment. Just focus on what you want to do (Software Development in my case) and go for it. There are opportunities out there.

Good luck!

BTW Whilst doing my first degree a fellow student's marriage broke down (and he had 2 children) and he lost his house, but he managed to complete his degree!