Where can I learn all about computing and computers?

Where do I need to start in terms of learning things in the world of computing?

• I am aware that this question is a little broad. However, I will try to explain my reasoning, first by listing where I am at in the learning process. I am pursuing an associates in applied science in both industrial and biomedical electronics, paired with a certificate in robotics and PLC programming (mostly with ladder logic). I have already taken an A+ certification preparation class that covers all that's on the A+, plus some. It was a very informative course. I will be pursuing a B.S. afterwards, most likely in some form of engineering paired with computer science and business classes. Between here and there, however, I am going to take wireless technology classes as well as some networking and security classes. Now that that's out of the way, to my question. Education is extremely important. However, I don't like to depend on a class to teach me everything on the subject. I typically do much of my own research in any class. I am also aware, at least in the realm of technology, that the classroom cannot possibly teach everything, and in terms of computer science, usually will teach just the science of it, leaving the student to learn all there is about things as they are now. Right now, I am having a difficult time grasping an understanding of how there are people out there that learn all there is about computers without some form of formal education. It's not the science that gets me, or even the programming. I can learn all that. It is the abundance of information that is out there that I have a hard time sifting through. For example, hacking and the issue of security (in reference to computing and networking). I understand the basic principles of how the internet works. It's quite simple. However, to learn the specifics of everything seems fairly daunting. I would love to learn all there is, but I am having a difficult time figuring out where to start. Any tips?

• Answer:

  First let congratulate you on your appetite for education and willingness to expand your knowledge in information technology. I took my time in digesting your question(s) still not being able to fathom out exactly what it is you want to know, Here is my interpretation of your question(s) If I got it wrong sorry. You would like to know how to get more information on (1) Robotics (2) Network Infrastructure and security (3) where to find this information Robotics http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/20110212114101583/Robotics.html http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Robotis-DarwinOP/?kc=rss http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Urbi-robotics-software-open-sourced-1063042.html http://www.techdrivein.com/2010/06/top-10-linux-powered-robots-from-around.html http://ostatic.com/blog/open-source-roboticists-on-a-path-to-c3p0 Robot tool kits http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-robotools/?ca=dgr-btw02aOSRoboticToolkits http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/CMU-publishes-open-Linuxbased-robot-designs/ Network servers utilities software Developed by Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University USA. http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=puias Developed by European Organization for Nuclear Research http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=scientific