Where to learn about computers?

[cmp1223]

Hey guys. I'm not computer illiterate, but i would really like to advance my knowledge of the subject. Specifically, computer technical support on Windows. After that, programming and Linux use, and maybe networking. What books or websites are good for this? Any easy to understand and stress the basics? I don't really have the time or money for classes.

 

[FoBoT]

the best way is to just do it/try it

get some old/cheap components, build your own box. there you just learned hardware

install every OS you can get your hands on (you can get eval copies of Windows OS's including the server OS's so you don't really need to pirate windows to learn it) to the box. there you just learned operating systems

now build a second box , get a swtich and some nic's and network them together. there you just learned networking


seriously, i did stuff like that at home for years as a hobby before my first IT job , i learn by trying/doing it

 

[MustISO]

I'm completely self taught as well. Easiest way was for me to teach myself. Experience is an excellent teacher. There's so much information online that you'll be busy reading for quite some time. Use anandtech as a starting point or get a PC's for dummies book.

 

[rh71]

A+ certification. Get a book for it... along the way you will learn a lot... though some of it is a bit dated. Hands-on along with that should get you a lot of the core skills.

http://comptia.org/certification/A/default.asp

I'm a strong believer in learning by motivation... and attaining a cert is the best at doing that.