How to Be a Computer Geek
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. By tapping into your inner geek, you can develop a most useful skill that will be sure to pay off later in life.
Steps
- Learn what hardware is.
- Learn what software is.
- Learn the specs (technical specifications) of your computer.
- Learn to navigate a computer without using the explorer window, only by using the command line. Here are some common commands:
- cd folder (*nix/Windows) to change the directory to folder
- ls (*nix) or dir (Windows) to list the files or folders in the current directory
- rm file (*nix) or del file (Windows) to remove file
- mkdir name (*nix/Windows) or md name (Windows) to make a directory with a name of name
- cp origfile newfile (*nix) or copy origfile newfile (Windows) to copy origfile to newfile
- Note: *nix is any Unix based system such as Linux, BSD, or MacOS X (previous versions of Mac OS are not based off of Unix)
- cd folder (*nix/Windows) to change the directory to folder
- Learn to type without looking at the keyboard,
- Ask. If someone does something on a computer that you would like to know, ask them about it.
- Learning a programming language is a must-do. html is not considered a geeky programming language, nor CSS, HTML is a markup language and CSS is a presentation language. Python and PHP are excellent programming languages for beginner geeks, while Perl and C should only be learned after grasping the basic "geeky" computer and Internet concepts. If you chose to learn HTML learn XHTML.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Offer to help others with their computer problems even if they claim they don't have a problem.
- Learn to recognize malware(computer viruses, spyware and the other nasty stuff) before running the daily antivirus/antispyware scans.
- Use a restrictive firewall, 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!
- Use an Open Source Operating System
- Most computer geeks will use an open OS, because it is (usually) free and allows them to do geeky stuff such as programming, running servers and using a command line interface (CLI).
- Most computer geeks will use an open OS, because it is (usually) free and allows them to do geeky stuff such as programming, running servers and using a command line interface (CLI).
- Know the expression "Free as in beer or free as in speech" and what it means.
- Use FireFox and install the NoScript addon.
- Use Shortcuts.
- Know the inner workings of the Internet.
- Shop at ThinkGeek
Tips
- Obtain an anti-virus and spyware software, as this can 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.
- When fixing computers, it may be good to keep a flash drive or IPod to carry utilities, diagnostics, or just the drive for space to move files from/to computers for diagnostic purposes.
- When fixing software, keep a CD with you, containing at least 5 different antiviral and antispyware products and an open OS.
- Always have a better sort of cooling system(preferably liquid nitrogen) when overclocking computers.
Warnings
- Trying to fix computer problems(specifically: hardware problems) may void the said hardware's warranty. But of course, computer geeks do that every day.
- Being a computer geek may seriously damage your social life. Be prepared to live with it.
Related wikiHows
- How to Learn a Programming Language
- How to Be a Techno Geek
- How to Be a Geek and Be Popular
- How to Become a Geek
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