[Klug-general] linux/open source course for getting into IT

[Peter Childs]

On 7 June 2010 22:08, James Morris <james at jwm-art.net> wrote:
> i spend quite a lot of my time programming (or trying to). i like to
> think i am reasonably good at it, but with still a lot to learn..
>
> anyone have any views on course/training in linux/open source
> programming/other which are worth looking into (or which courses to
> avoid)?
>
> this course in particular interests me:
>
> http://pitmantechnical.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:unix-programming&catid=16:open-source&Itemid=14
>
> i've touched on many of the areas in the first seven "chapters", and
> this past year begun working with coding multi-threaded applications.
>
> any thoughts/advice?
>
> but i'm mid-thirties, and my work experience is in
> manual/industrial/temporary labour, with degree education in art!
>

Probably the best way to learn to program, is to start a project, keep
it simple at first and then expand it, Set your self an aim and then
work out how to do it. Above all try to find something interesting to
you, that's going to keep your interest, and be a challenge.

Then pick a language, ask questions read, books. I learnt to program
on the ZX Spectrum back in the days when you expected to be able to
program to be able to use a computer. In these days when computers are
made so simple you don't need to know the very much to getting them
working right, its more difficult to learn.

Also if you eventually want a job in programming you can always say I
wrote this and found that a challenge and this will often count for
far more than any certificate.

Peter.