Question

I am just getting started, I have A+ certification, but that is all- what do I do next?

Answer 1

what is "A+ certification" ???

watch the lectures. be sure to read the readings. spend xtra time learning the language. do the problem sets. get familiar with the Python documentation. read the Tutorial in the documentation. any language question you have search for it on the internet there are lots of good answers out there. ask questions here. which course are you going to do - 6.00 2008 or 6.00sc 2011? http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/

Answer 2

Because he is talking about A+, I think this might be in the wrong sub topic.

What are you trying to become or learn?

Answer 3

A+ Certification is basically a computer hardware certification,I.E, how to build a PC from components,Motherboard,memory,processor and peripherals such as CD/DVD drives, printers,FAX machines etc.and how to install and configure them. I want to broaden my knowledge of computers but am not sure programing is where I need to be. What kind of mathmatical background do I need to have? I watched the first lecture and am wondering if I am in the right place- maybe I should look in a different area of IT?

Answer 4

Programming is not computer science. Computer science is a form of engineering where the goal is to design computer program that solve problems. The engineering nature of this does include a good deal of math. However, you do NOT need to start knowing all this math!

If you use the 2008 class, the math is less intense. The 2011SC is more math focused and uses other, advanced projects.

Also, you can learn programming without learning computer science! If you want a practical approach to programming that is college level, but not very math based, there is a free book and video set for it:
http://www.pythonlearn.com/index.php

Then, if you end up really liking the programming, you can aim for computer science!

There are similar books and sites for programming with a focus towards computer science without the intensity of MIT or for doing games.
http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/
http://inventwithpython.com/

And all of that is just doing it with Python! There are tons more languages and resources you can get into, but Python is a very good choice because it can help you learn many different aspects of computer programming and computer science all within one language.

Give it a try! If you find out it is not for you, all you have spent is some free time. On the other hand, if you end up liking it, you can learn a ton of high quality stuff on coding for free!

Answer 5

from the 6.00sc syllabus

"Since computer programming involves computational modes of thinking, it will help to have some mathematical and logical aptitude. You should be confident with your math skills up to pre-calculus.""

I think aptitude is the key word there. the two courses (6.00 and 6.00sc) were designed for freshmen at a Technical school - there are a couple of problems in both courses that solve 'math' problems or use math concepts..

Answer 6

Thanks guys for your quick responses,they were all very helpful!

Answer 7

np. Have fun!

Answer 8

And if you do try it, there are a few of us here that answer questions on Python, Java, and C++. There is also one guy who really knows his JavaScript, PHP, HTML. So if you want to go the web design route, he can help with learning and finding resources on that.