Thread: Tools for the Wannabe Geek
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Unread 02-08-2004, 13:16
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Re: Tools for the Wannabe Geek
Well, if you want to be a computer geek (like myself), Here's what I'd do:
  • Know you're chosen OS. Intimately. If you use linux, compile the kernal a few times (with some changes that actually work) and know Bash. If you're running Windows (which doesn't disqualify you from geekiness), know hacks and don't be afraid of the registry
  • Get rid of the Alpha interface in WinXP (if applicable)
  • Get a USB Key (aka USB Mass Storage Device or Jumpdrive if you're talking to normal people). The larger the better. And make sure it supports USB 2.
  • Learn a Programming language or two. I happen to do Visual Basic 6 and PIC C. (and learning Visual C++)
  • Get Freeware/open source apps. I can recomend a few:
    • ConTEXT - A great text editor for coding. Includes a customizable highlighter and support for compilers.
    • OpenOffice - Replaces MS Office.
    • Maxthon (formerly MyIE2) - A souped-up version of MS Internet Explorer
  • Get a sourceforge registration. Also a good idea to join some projects
  • Get a CVS client (for Sourceforge). I can recomend TortoiseCVS, which integrates itself with Windows.
I think this is a good start, but I know I'm missing something...
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