Are there websites/forums where I can ask questions about computers and get answers?
There are a ton of tech forum in the internet, here are a few that i prefer:LinusTechTipsTom's HardwareARCtotal ForumsPC Part Picker forumsAll these forums are active, engaging and best in terms of user interface. You can always use Quora for any questions!
Is it reasonable for the 'average' (non-tech savvy) person to invest in cryptocurrencies?
Sure it is. It’s an investment.What is not reasonable it to trade if you don’t know how to trade. Or to invest money you need. Or to take a credit to invest.Buy some Bitcoin while it’s cheap and forget about it for at least 12 months and you will see.By having invested money, you will start to read about it and Lear about other coins, learn about trading and soon enough you will be in position to make both short, medium and long term investments.
Why do people talk so much about computer science on Quora?
I’ve wondered about this same question. I have a couple theories (which aren’t mutually exclusive).Quora users tend to be tech savvy, which means a familiarity with computers and hence a possible interest in computer science. (Note that it’s really hard to read Quora without a network connection and some kind of digital device.)My perception of what is common is based on my feed, which is assembled by Quora algorithms. So it may seem to me like there is a lot of computer science, but that’s because I’ve answered questions in the area before, and that boosts its priority in my feed. I also see a lot of questions about graduate admissions and about Singapore, for which I have also answered questions. I see as well a lot about military equipment in my feed. I haven’t answered any questions about that topic, so I presume it was because I clicked on an answer related to that topic once (and continue to look at answers about the topic in my feed).If I had to bet on one, I’d go with Theory 2. (You could test that theory if you wanted. Pick a topic that you don’t see in your feed — racing horses, Malta, spelunking — and search for some questions about it. Then see if the topic starts showing up in your feed.)
What we learn in computer science engineering?
Trust me, you would learn a lot! It also depends on the curriculum being followed in your university.When I did my bachelors, it all started with Fundamentals of Programming. You would learn a variety of programming languages. Over the period of my course, I was trained in C, C++, Java, SQL, PL/SQL, Perl, Python and C#.I also learned about Data Structures, Design & Analysis of Algorithms, Object Oriented Programming, Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Computer Networks, System Architecture, Principles of Compiler Design, Theory of Computation, Formal Languages & Automata Theory, Software Engineering, Object Oriented System Design, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source Softwares & Frameworks and Cloud Computing. I believe that most of the universities are now offering courses on Big Data and Internet of Things as well.Apart from these, you would also have to learn a lot of Mathematics as well. Probability & Queuing Theory, Numerical Methods, Discrete Mathematics etc., are the prominent ones.If you are someone who is aspiring to take up a bachelors in CSE, then most of these would sound Greek and Latin to you, now. But most of these subjects are very interesting and easy to learn. You may google more about these subjects and what you learn in them.Always remember, CS is best learnt when you learn it by yourself. Your lecturers or professors can spoon feed you the concepts, but how you implement them in real time is upon you. Hands on is the best way.Hope this helps! Happy learning! :)
College Programming Diploma vs Computer Science Degree?
Thoughts: 1. Don't worry about what you know - university/colleges are there to teach you programming. There are bound to be people who know a lot more than you already, but that's life. As long as you can pick it up well, you'll do fine. 2. Got a crystal ball? Anyone who tells you what the job market in 3 to 6 years is full of it. I know right now, good developers are still in demand. The outsourcing story is way overblown in my opinion. There is some going on, but it's mainly by large companies. Small and medium companies, who hire most of the developers tend to do things locally still. As to which degree/diploma is the best, I offer this. When I hire jr developers, I look for 3 things: 1. What's your education and what are your marks like? Absolutely, I look for university degrees first, and good marks. Though someone with a 2 year diploma with great marks may look the same as a 4 year university grad with bad marks. It also depends on which school you went to. 2. Work experience - do you have anything related to your field, or is it the traditional teenage jobs, which are most common. 3. Intangibles - volunteer, how your resume is written, etc. On the whole, I'm going to take a university grad over a 2 year degree any day - unless you have some good work experience to overcome that. If you don't, I doubt I would consider your resume. You have to understand that having a 4 year degree improves your odds of being hired - doesn't guarantee a job, just like a diploma doesn't mean for sure you won't get one. If you think you can get enough work experience to overlook your lack of education, you'll be fine - but that's ultimately a gamble. Give me a 4 year Comp Sci university grad with work experience, then I can guarantee a job.
What is the origin of the "flat earth" idea? Why and how did people start believing it? Why do some people continue to believe it?
A2A, Thanks Joan.Bill Hazelton has given a comprehensive answer that pretty much covers your question. I’ll just hit the high spots with some opinions thrown in..1849 Samuel Rowbotham published a pamphlet entitled “Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe”. This was the start of the flat earth virus we have today.There were several starts and stops through the years but the virus couldn’t get a good grip on the patient.This changed in the 21st century. With the advent of the internet, computer savvy people discovered that they could get lots of clicks and views with outrageous statements. They latched onto Rowbothams work and began to spew the BS his pseudo-science and outright lies. The virus had found a home.The next step was people being able to easily create videos and put them on the internet. Some with quite good production values even though good science is sorely lacking.This brings us to today. Religious people believe it. The poorly educated and people who can’t think critically believe it. Throw in some people that don’t want to be a speck in the gigantic universe and that’s about it for believers.The trolls and the youtubers don’t really believe in it. The last thing they want to have happen is to actually have the shape of the earth ultimately proven one way or the other.Yup, the ones screaming conspiracy the loudest are actually perpetrating their own conspiracy. They want a healthy virus, but not so healthy that the host dies.Hope this helps…