Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 6: Get basic hardware knowledge
• Method 3 of 6: Gaining advanced knowledge
• Method 4 of 6: Become an expert in problem solving
• Method 5 of 6: Upgrade your computer yourself
• Method 6 of 6: Learn as much as possible about a specific computer subject
• Tips

If you like to learn new things, love computers, and enjoy solving problems, you could be a very good computer expert. And don't worry if a university degree in computer science isn't for you. You can become a computer expert by learning to understand the basics of how a computer works, gaining a lot of hands-on experience, learning to solve problems, and knowing how and where to find the information you need. you need.

To step

Method 1 of 6: Get basic hardware knowledge

1. Find a beginner's book (and read it). Even if you already know a little about a computer, reading a book for beginners can fill certain gaps in your knowledge very well. Ask a bookstore if they can show you some books for computer beginners, search your favorite book site for "Computers (or: Computer Science) for Beginners," or see if you can get one of these titles:
   • All computer books from the "For Dummies" series, such as Computers for Dummies or Macs for Dummies.
   • How computers work from Ron White
   • PC troubleshooting and upgrading manual from Scott Mueller
2. Learn the names of the hardware parts of your computer. To become a computer expert you need to understand how the different parts of a computer work together.
   • Everything inside your computer is connected to the motherboard, including the processor (CPU), which functions as the "brain" of the computer.
   • RAM stores data that is currently in use. Make sure you know how it works and how it is connected to the motherboard.
   • Peripheral cards add functions to your computer. Try to learn more about sound, networks and video cards.
   • Storage drives and hard drives are spaces in which data is stored. Examine the hard drives, the CD / DVD-ROM drives, and removable media such as USB sticks and SD cards.
3. Visit a specialist computer store to try out the latest computer technology for yourself. Every computer should have a sign or label that shows the specific details of all the hardware of the device. Note the different RAM sizes, different processor brands and speeds, and different screen resolutions.
   • Open the same program on a number of different computers and note the differences in speed.
   • Ask a salesperson which computer he or she recommends for a number of specific tasks. For example, ask: "Which computers are suitable for gaming?" Or: "Which would you recommend to someone who only needs to complete assignments for school?" Then take a good look at the different characteristics of the computers.
4. Watch videos on YouTube of people opening their computers. Watch other computer experts install RAM or replace broken hard drives to get a feel for how to do those things. Listen carefully to the person's explanation of what he or she is doing.
5. Open your computer and try to find the different hardware components. If you feel confident, take a look in the case of your own computer to see how the different hardware components are connected.
   • If you are afraid of accidentally breaking something, ask someone who has more experience with computers to show you the different parts.
   • Before opening a computer, always make sure that it is on a solid surface and that you are properly grounded yourself.
   EXPERT TIP

   Know the differences between the most commonly used operating systems. Whether you use Windows, Mac OS X, Linux or Chrome OS, each system has certain advantages and disadvantages. Visit the website of each of the different operating systems to learn more about the specific features of each system. Then search the internet for blogs intended for the users of each of the specific operating systems. By reading user blogs, you can learn more about how people use their computers.

   • Most computers come with Windows. Windows is used by businesses on both servers and workstations. Windows is also popular for home use and gamers who like to tinker with hardware.
   • Mac OSX is known for being sleek and aesthetic. Mac OSX has been popularized as an operating system by graphic designers, among others, and is installed by default on most Apple computers (although it can also be installed on modern desktop computers). Mac OSX has a well-known design that is growing in popularity.
   • Linux is a (mostly) free variation of "Unix" and is especially popular with more advanced computer users. There are many ways to adapt the system to your personal needs, it is safe and you can use it on most types of hardware to perform almost any function.
   • Chrome OS is a simple operating system that you will find on Google's Chromebooks, among others. It is primarily intended for people who want to use the Internet (and web applications) in the first place, and who need few other functions.
6. Use every chance you get to play with operating systems other than the one you are using. To become a versatile computer expert, you should try to gain experience with all the different operating systems and with as many different types of software as possible.
   • You can find computers with Windows at most public libraries or bookstores. Also at schools, institutes and universities, PCs or Macs are often available for students to use. And if you don't have those options, you could ask a friend or family member if you could use his or her computer for once.
   • Try the same kind of task (like browsing the Internet) on a computer running Windows or Linux, or on a Mac, and pay close attention to the differences.
7. Explore the operating system you are using on your own computer. Both Windows and Mac computers have built-in system panels that contain information about the computer. Explore a new area of ​​the Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) every day. By simply looking around and clicking to see what is possible, you can add all kinds of useful knowledge to your ever-growing computer brain.
   • Open the Control Panel in Windows by clicking ⊞ Win+S. to start the search. Then type in control panel. In the search results, click on "Control Panel" and scroll through the different panels.
   • To view System Preferences on your Mac, click the Apple menu at the top left of the screen, then click "System Preferences."
8. Install new software. If you are doing this for the first time, start with something easy, like a new web browser. If you have more experience, try installing Linux. Linux is a free operating system very popular with computer freaks (like you!) That you can install on a wide variety of hardware.
   • Because Linux is so popular with computer enthusiasts, there is a large community of Linux users on the Internet within chat groups and forums. Getting to know Linux will automatically make you new friends, and maybe even meet a mentor who can help you on your way.

Method 3 of 6: Gaining advanced knowledge

1. Learn programming languages ​​such as Java, SQL, Ruby on Rails or PHP. Once you've mastered the basic techniques, take on the challenge from a more advanced level. It is only when you know how to program that you really distinguish yourself as a computer expert from the regular users. Find out what the different programming languages ​​do and choose one you would like to learn.
   • Buy or borrow a book about the language in question. By reading a beginner-level book about the programming language that interests you, you will build a solid foundation on which to gain more advanced knowledge from there.
   • Look for classes that give you practical programming experience. You will have to pay for some of the more prestigious courses offered by programming institutes, but if you regularly search websites like Coursera and Khan Academy, you will also occasionally find free courses.
2. Set up a network. Connecting a computer to the internet is not that difficult, but do you also know how to set up a whole network of computers? Challenge yourself to learn various ways to connect computers to the Internet, share files within systems, and install firewalls.
3. Learn as much as you can about (and protect yourself from) the various threats that exist to computers, programs and networks. Knowing how to install things is a good start, but protecting the outcome of your work from outside threats is a different story altogether. Study things like DoS attacks, application vulnerabilities, hacking of data files, and the workings of worms so you will be prepared for anything that could happen.
4. Connect with other computer fans. If you are part of a network of computer experts (or beginners eager to become one), you can ask and answer all kinds of questions, as well as learn about new technologies that could be of interest to you.
   • Find a group meeting in the field of computers near you.
   • Also try to access chat groups and forums full of computer users that are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
5. Be willing to keep learning all your life. You don't become a computer expert overnight. You have to work hard for it, put a lot of time and energy into it, you have to have a nose for solving problems, and a genuine passion for information.
   • Technology is constantly evolving, so you'll have to keep up to date. The information you have now may be out of date by next year. So read computer magazines, follow popular computer blogs and keep yourself familiar with the latest software technology.
   • Upgrade your operating systems with the latest versions as they become available.
   • Go to so-called beta test groups for operating systems and apps, so that you are always one of the first people to gain practical experience with new versions.

Method 4 of 6: Become an expert in problem solving

1. Find out what the problem is. When it comes down to it, the best way to show off all of your computer skills is by troubleshooting. Troubleshooting, aka troubleshooting, is one of the most important skills you need to have in the IT industry. If you're dealing with a computer problem, try to figure out exactly what is going on.
   • Defining the problem as "The mouse does not work" is too broad. So narrow it down to a more precise phenomenon or a more precise error message, such as "When I plug the mouse into the USB port, I get the following message:" This IRQ has been assigned to the keyboard. "
2. Improve your skills in using Google. One of the most important skills an expert-to-be should have is knowing how and where to find your information. Finding precise information in the field of computer problems with the help of Google is quite an art.
   • Write precise words and phrases in quotation marks (") (" this IRQ is assigned to the keyboard "instead of IRQ assigned to keys) to make sure the result matches what you are looking for.
   • Use Google to search a single website. If you are looking for information about wireless networking, and prefer the results on Microsoft.com, enter mouse problems website: microsoft.com, instead of mouse problems microsoft.
   • Filter the results by date (this is often relevant as computers are constantly changing) by searching for "Search Tools" at the top of the search results list, then choosing a different time span instead of "Any time".
3. Read the search results carefully, and don't just look at the first page. The first results often include pages with manufacturer's products, but the most interesting troubleshooting information is usually found on user forums.
   • You will soon find out which websites yield good search results, and which pages to avoid. If your search for information takes you to a page that apparently has little to do with what you're looking for, then that resource is probably not helpful to you.
4. Subscribe to forums to better understand issues that users like you are facing. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but before you ask, try the forum's "search" feature to reduce the chance of repeating a question that has already been answered.
   • In many forums on the internet you will not be able to access the content if you do not officially create an account.
5. Repair the computers of your friends and family. Once you practice your problem solving skills, look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Ask friends if they might be having problems with their computers, then offer to fix it. Use your new skills to find other people on the Internet who have had similar problems and try to apply the solutions it proposes.
6. Install a test computer. Computer experts learn to solve problems by breaking things. Instead of messing with the computer you work with every day, try getting a test computer (or even better, a test lab with different types of computers) so you can experiment with peace of mind.

Method 5 of 6: Upgrade your computer yourself

1. Update your system regularly. Make sure you are always running the latest and greatest version of your operating system by constantly checking for updates.
   • If you update your operating system software, older applications may stop working. Very frustrating! On the other hand, you can really get better at troubleshooting, that is, troubleshooting, by figuring out how to fix such problems!
2. Think about what you could add to your computer to improve it. Ask yourself: What is frustrating about my computer? What can't I do with my computer when others can on their computers? Once you have the answers, you should also be able to determine what hardware or software you need to make your computer run better.
3. Have a look around forums and read about other users' experiences with upgrades for the type of computer you have. Even if you are not going to perform the upgrades yourself, you can still learn a lot about the different configuration options that exist for your computer.

Method 6 of 6: Learn as much as possible about a specific computer subject

1. Choose something computing that interests you. A specific design for a website? An extra nice video? Program Python? Becoming an expert in one specific topic is an excellent way to increase your opportunities to become a computer expert.
2. Read articles on the internet about your topic. Use your new Google search wizardry to find the latest articles on the topic of your interest. In addition, try to do the following things:
   • Find (and follow) blogs about your topic.
   • On forums, connect with people who share your interest in a particular topic.
3. Watch videos on YouTube on the topic. Would you like to know how to set up WordPress? Are you repairing the parts of a broken motherboard? On Youtube you can find a great number of videos about just about everything.
4. Look for lessons that are about your topic as much as possible. If you are studying, see if your school or university offers classes in the topic you are interested in. Also check with neighborhood or club houses. Often courses are also given there, and usually taking lessons there is cheaper than at the university.
   • For those who prefer to study at home, courses are also available on the Internet on a wide variety of subjects.
   • Workshops on websites such as Khan Academy and Coursera are often free to follow. And also on YouTube you can find complete workshops and courses in addition to short videos.

Tips

• Add interesting websites to your favorites so that you can easily find them later.
• Set goals for yourself, such as creating a website or writing a small, useful program. Don't give up until you reach your goals.
• Look for volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Think of computer recycling projects, help with installing computers in schools, or see if you can volunteer at a library at school or in your hometown.