16 replies to this topic

[drragostea]

Hello. I just wanted to make an introduction to What the Tech forums. I was just browsing through some posts and stumbled across this forum. So I thought it would be interesting to join. I've spent some time (years, lols) around my Sony VAIO Windows XP Home and began doodling when I was around 11? I remember that I used to visit Neopets all the time. On dial-up! I visited that kiddy website 24/7. I rushed through homework was eager to get back home to play Neopets. I think the reason why I was so addicted to Noepets was competitive. Getting points and raising your status was crucial. However, with the fun came a bowl of consequence. My sister had to format my VAIO over and over again because of the "carp**" sites and downloads I go to. Now I'm learning a lot.

I attend Junior High and plan to hit High School this September (you can already guess my age). Funny, how I'm the only "tech" geek in the whole 8th grade next to some friends. *sigh Some of my friends who ask what is a AV (anti-virus) and firewall, when I asked them. And a majority of them using Windows XP at home doesn't know what the integrated "Automatic Updates" are. T.T Computer these days.

I spend my time afterschool at the forums. I'll gladly be of help to technical questions... IF I understand what it means.

Edited by drragostea, 23 May 2008 - 08:01 PM.

[kazzoo]

Greetings drragostea Welcome to WhatTheTech. You will find folks of many different skill levels and knowledge visiting and posting here. One thing you can be sure of is that this is a changing body of knowledge and nobody has all of the answers. We all began the same way. With our first computer and our first problem with it. The best advise I would give someone starting out with forums is to watch how a good question is asked and how the asker participates. We are all volunteers here and love a good question. A good question provides Make, model,and which os is running. When a problem started and when it happens. Also key is what have you done already to fix it. There are some excellent diagnostic skilled folks here, but mind readers they are not. Good to have you around and look forward to your postings when you are ready.

[drragostea]

Thanks for the warm introduction kazoo. I'll do the best I can in assisting others in this forums. The only problem I'm having is browsing through the WTT labyrinth. There's so many topics. Much more than the usual Safernetworking forums I usually visit. Once I get the hang of it, I'll begin. Thanks kazoo.

[Digerati]

The only problem I'm having is browsing through the WTT labyrinth. Once I get the hang of it, I'll begin.

Always the case.

Also, remember that Google (or your search engine of choice) is your friend. Most problems can be solved just by researching the Internet. With the world approaching 1 billion Windows computers, a totally new problem is rare. So the trick becomes learning what search parameters to input in the search box to find the results you are looking for. That just takes experience.

and nobody has all of the answers

Sadly, there are many (wannabe experts) who don't feel that way and they are most often the young and inexperienced who have had some success at assembling a computer or two. Remember, children younger than you are, right now, in slave labor camps assembling computers, parts and peripherals - that does not make them computer experts.

I have been an electronics technician and at this computer repair stuff for 30+ years and if there is one thing I have learned over the years it's that there is ALWAYS more to learn - especially with such a rapidly advancing technology as digital electronics and the software to run on it. Because of this, I try to substantiate my advice with facts and links - this is important when attempting to walk the hesitant through a tricky procedure. Instilling confidence is a mark of a good advisor.

There are 1000s of fields within the IT industry, and no one has expertise in all. That's the beauty of forums like WTT - experts and experienced users from several areas of expertise can and do collaborate on helping folks with their problems. For me personally, I get warm fuzzies helping folks with their hardware problems, and in developing and maintaining a safe and secure computing environment for themselves and their families - that's why I am came here. I stay because of the professionalism of the staff and site. As a bonus, I often learn something new along the way.

But events and technology change, and even the best make mistakes. So if you feel someone posted some incorrect information, make sure you provide substantiating evidence to support your claim. A link to another forum post by Joe Schmoe is not good enough.

Since you are still in school, I URGE you to take, and do well, in as many math, science, and electronics courses as you can. Pay particular attention to security - network and computer.

Oh, the stupid question is the one not asked.

[drragostea]

Oh, the stupid question is the one not asked.

Aye. Agreed. I'm nearing the end of the school year, however, my school does not offer electronic classes. Just computer classes at the most. I had half-a-year experience using Mac OSX 10.4 in my computer class. Just the basics such as word processing, Excel, Powerpoint, and near to DreamWeaver if I recall correctly. Browsing the forums WTT and Safernetworking forums, plus I visit my local library, Queens Borough Flushing Library, I learn a lot. Not really a lot, but I do learn something new that may reinforce what I already know and what I do not know. I don't usually use the public library computers as they are outdated, vulnerable, and plague to malware. Every single on of them. On a T1 connection it seemed like dial-up speed to me.

So Digerati, you read my posts? Now I think of it, I see thats were I may be lacking. Like you said, posting a link is not enough, I need to reinforce it with evidence.

I realized that a computer was "integrated" in everyone's lives (in the 8th grade). Music. Videos. Games. Internet. IM.
Sadly I realized that not everyone was at the same level as I am. You might say that I should teach them and inform them about this and that. But they're too busy with their social life. They just don't bother to learn. At least even listen.

I devote my "afterschool" and free time to WTT and Safernetworking forums (at the moment ), maybe helping others with technical questions. I use the best of my knowledge to answer the questions. And maybe picking up something too along the way.

[Digerati]

So Digerati, you read my posts?

Umm, no - other than the 3 above. However, since you have a grand total of 3 posts on this forum, I guess you can say, "yes, I read all your posts!" lol

Actually, the only reason I read this thread is because of the title - I took "Senior" as a chance I might come across another quinquagenarian. I responded because I wanted to take the opportunity to expound on kazzoo's excellent advice.

[drragostea]

Actually, the only reason I read this thread is because of the title - I took "Senior" as a chance I might come across another quinquagenarian.

Hello again. Aha. I actually meant my posts all Safernetworking, as I thought you were referring to them.

Digerati, what is a "quinquagenarian"? I just don't follow.

[Digerati]

What happened to lessons learned? lol

Also, remember that Google (or your search engine of choice) is your friend. Most problems can be solved just by researching the Internet.

Edited by Digerati, 25 May 2008 - 10:17 AM.

[drragostea]

Digerati... -.- Aha. Now I know what you meant. I'm not 60 yet. But I'll be hitting it in the future.

[Digerati]

I'm not 60 yet.

Me either so watch it bud! lol

[Doug]

Hi drragostea
And welcome to WTT Forums.

Age is rarely a contested issue.
Respectful manner and accuracy of assistance offered is the guiding principle.

Just for example...
One of my favorite "teachers" was exactly your age when he first started helping me in malware removal consultations.
Another of my favorite "teachers" was decidedly younger than you, when he started assisting me with website and media related matters.

You are a "netizen" and your age will only be an issue if you raise it yourself.
Maturity and respectful manner are entirely different and observable by all.
What you post will be available online, for a very long time.

Everyone grows older, but not everyone becomes mature.... no matter how old they get.

I'm happy to see that you've already attracted the attention of two of our stronger and well respected members above.
They are both valuable resources.

With the above said.... It's nice to see a young person such as yourself taking an interest in assisting others.
Welcome aboard.

Doug

[drragostea]

Thank you Doug and Digerati. I understand. Doug, I also learned something too. No matter how old someone gets not everyone is mature. I'll be ready to answer questions, whenever I can... Just that my homework is my priority first. Are there some dozen people that are my age or younger who are interested in this... (what do you call it *scratches head*) "field" and assisting others? I just wanted to know. I'll be ready. --Eric L.

[Doug]

Are there some dozen people that are my age or younger who are interested in this... (what do you call it *scratches head*) "field" and assisting others? I just wanted to know.

Probably many more.
Though you may only gradually become aware of the distinction, and even then it won't often make much difference.

It's sort of like the mythical "alien invasion". They may already be amongst us.

Are you a gamer? a system builder? a website builder? a networking tech?

Let us know a little more about yourself when you have the time.

You will probably find more in common with other folks of similar interest areas, than with folks of the same age.

Doug

[drragostea]

Aha. I have the time. Just finding my way in the maze of WTT forums . Well, made a site one time during computer class in 7th grade with DreamWeaver in Mac OXS 10.4, but I forgot all about it. I'm not a gamer because I'm not so excited about games. I just don't have the RAM and system. I played Halo 1 once on my Windows XP Home, and found out that my 512MB of RAM wasn't enough for the game's liking so I had to tune down the visual settings for the game to run smoothly. I have no idea how to build a OS of my own. The least I know was how to install and upgrade the RAM in the system. I learned it from my cousin (he built his own OS). Right now, I have the time, and I'm not busy. ^.^ I can't think of anything to tell about myself. Perhaps you can ask questions? Pour them in Doug.

[Doug]

The best way to get to know others and to get to be known, is to read the threads. When you find a topic with which you can help, give it a try. There are plenty of regulars around to give you a hand as needed. There is no rush in getting to know others. That will come in due course. You've found and joined a Forum that will be around for a while. Enjoy. Doug