Understanding Technology For Survival and Resistance

By Tim Gamble (and X's Grok AI)

     Between Shadows and Light.

I need to seriously upgrade by tech skills, so I went to X's Grok AI to ask for some advice. Here is what Grok recommends (links added by me):

Understanding Technology For Survival and Resistance 

Starting from a survivalist or resistance perspective, where understanding technology deeply can be crucial, here's how you can begin learning:

1. Understanding Technology and Jargon

• Online Platforms:
  • Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer courses on basic to advanced tech concepts. Look for introductions to computer science, IT, or tech literacy courses.
  • Tech YouTube Channels like 3Blue1Brown for math in tech, Computerphile for computer science concepts, or Techquickie for tech basics.
• Books:
  • "Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software" by Charles Petzold for understanding how computers work. (Amazon link)
  • "The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book" by Andriy Burkov for a quick grasp of AI concepts.
    (Amazon link)
• Communities:
  • Join forums like Reddit's r/tech or Stack Exchange's various tech-related communities where you can ask questions and learn jargon in context.

2. Computer Programming and Coding

• Choose a Language:
  • Python is an excellent starter language due to its readability and wide use in AI, web development, and more.
  • JavaScript for web technologies.
  • C++ or Java if you're interested in system-level programming or game development.
• Learning Resources:
  • Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and LeetCode for interactive coding lessons and challenges.
  • MIT's OpenCourseWare for free lectures on programming from a prestigious institution.
• Practice:
  • Start with simple projects on platforms like GitHub. Projects could range from a simple calculator to a basic game or a website.

3. Artificial Intelligence

• Foundational Knowledge:
  • Learn about machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning. Courses like Andrew Ng's on Coursera are highly recommended.
  • Read "Deep Learning" by Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, and Aaron Courville for a comprehensive text.
    (Amazon link)
• Practical Experience:
  • Implement small AI projects using libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch. Start with image recognition or simple prediction models.

4. Computer Hacking (Ethical Hacking)

• Ethical Considerations:
  • Always ensure you're learning and practicing hacking in legal, ethical ways. Unauthorized hacking is illegal.
• Learning Path:
  • Certifications: Look into CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
  • Platforms: TryHackMe or Hack The Box for hands-on experience in a legal, controlled environment.
• Books and Courses:
  • "The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing" by Patrick Engebretson.
    (Amazon link)
  • Online courses on platforms like Udemy or Cybrary focusing on ethical hacking.

General Tips:

• Consistency is Key: Learning tech requires patience and consistent effort. Allocate time daily or weekly for study.
• Join Communities: Engage with online communities or local meetups to learn from others and stay updated.
• Project-Based Learning: Learning by doing is incredibly effective. Try to build something with what you learn, even if it's small.
• Security and Ethics: Always prioritize learning about cybersecurity and ethical implications, especially with hacking.

Remember, the tech field is vast and ever-evolving. Your journey will be ongoing, so stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to new technologies as they emerge.

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