Novice programmer looking for mentor

[HighAndNoble]

Hello all,

 

I just found this website through Google, so I figured I'd join.

 

I've always loved computers, but it hasn't been until recently that I've started having a lot of interest the science of how they work. Not too long ago, I put together my own computer, and since then I've been wanting to learn more and more. That being said, I've been looking up guides for computer science for beginners such as myself. the guide I'm currently reading this guide: http://www.jamesmaa.com/2013/08/26/a-beginners-guide-to-computer-science/ .... I'm not sure how great it is, but it seems really helpful to me.

 

One of the main points made, was that community is a big deal in computer science, and I have no one in my life that I would be able to consider a mentor, so I've come here looking for help.

 

I have been using both khan academy to learn the basics of computer science and W3Schools for programming and coding lessons

 

I'm not looking for a teacher per se, though I'm not against one, I more looking for someone I could just have discussions and ask questions to if I get stuck in my own independent studies.

 

 

I consider myself a beginner because I don't really know much about the inner workings of a computer, other than how it goes together, and I could say I have a lot of knowledge on parts and other things, but without a way to apply that knowledge or know how to utilize it, it seems useless.

 

I know how to use almost all versions of windows, along with various other programs and apps, I know how to put computers together, I know a little html.. but that's it.

 

 

My long term goal is to hopefully become a Video game developer, Computer programmer, or a Computer technician, and I'm looking for help in doing so.

 

 

If you've read this far, thank you! I would appreciate any and all help I can get, the more the merrier. I look forward to the replies!

[Klaynos]

Hello, welcome to the forum.

 

What is suggest is you can just ask your questions or start discussions on the forum, you don't need a mentor.

 

I have always found with learning new programming languages, even when I started, that having a project, some end goal, to work towards helped a lot.

 

I've thing I would say is that you might want to look at arduinos and the similar for project ideas, I started with arduinos around a year ago and have found it good fun.

 

I'd also suggest trying a version of Linux, just for general interest. Lots of distros you can download live versions that you run off of a USB stick or CD, no need to install anything.

[HighAndNoble]

Thank you for the welcome and quick response.

 

 

i guess it does make more sense to just do my own thing and learn what I can from others by asking around like this.

 

arduinos look very interesting, i might invest in one at a later date. i would like to know how good ubuntu is? i was thinking about getting that version to start.

[Klaynos]

I used to really like Ubuntu. But in my view they've messed with the user interface too much. I now use Linux mint which started as a fork of Ubuntu. But with live installations you can give them a go and decide which you prefer without too much commitment.