Sometimes to be hobby, sometimes to be work.

I am setting some effort in blogging my IT problems which are worth reminding them. If you are interested in Linux, the Oracle Database or the community of this software universes, feel free to visit

http://www.usn-it.de.

It would be an honour!

Due to technologies's volume and its rapid changing, there's always learning involved. 24/7! And learning just means reading, much reading.

Skills aren't for free, only published knowledge is free on the net - the price you'll have to pay is time. Much time, like all my friends and relatives know and - dislike.

"Newbies", "youngsters", "beginners" (I hate these words like you do. They sound annoying! Tell me better ones and I'll use them.) please allow me to give you little advice out of my personal experience. It is an unordered list, just an ad-hoc statement:

• open your eyes, always try something new
• do it at night, daylight and computing seem to be opposite things
• English language will help a lot, but never forget your native tongue
• look for people with similar interests, but some things need to be done alone
• sometimes, you will have to invest money in your education, buy equipment you can afford
• look for a sponsor (parents, relatives, employer)
• there will be nearly no space for other hobbies or sports
• you will need a contrast, drive around with your bike or in your car - poor, fogged mind will clear
• don't drink and drive
• don't drink at all, you'll waste time
• new people need help like you did, so work for the community - provide support in a forum or a chat room, write or translate manuals, develop stuff, do beta testing or simply report bugs
• keep up-to-date with life outside - economy and politics can tease you badly if you don't
• do "silly" things, you will keep in touch with tomorrow - the silly things of today are the world's future