Hey everyone! I'm 17 years old and I want to dive into the world of hardware, but I feel like I'm starting from scratch and don't have the money for it. I got my first laptop only a year ago, so I haven't had much exposure to tech until recently. I've been learning software programming (primarily C and Python) through an online course (CS50), and I keep hearing how beneficial it is to understand hardware, especially when working with low-level code. I dream of building my own PC someday, but I don't know where to start. What resources like videos, books, or simulators can I access to learn about how computers work from a hardware point of view, all while keeping costs low? Thank you for any suggestions!
5 Answers
A great starting point could be getting a Raspberry Pi kit! It's affordable and you'll have fun assembling it. Plus, it's a fantastic platform to learn both coding and electronics while working on cool projects.
If you're in the US, check out WIOA grants. They're designed for folks like you who are motivated to learn tech skills, and they can cover costs for training. If you're in Texas, I might help you get started!
Just so you know, the hardware knowledge relevant to programming is quite different from PC building. For programming, focus on CPU architecture like x86. If you're interested in building PCs, learn about the different components and their arrangements — sites like pcpartspicker.com are great resources for that.
For hands-on experience, look into some Raspberry Pi projects. You can find a used Raspberry Pi 2B for around £10-20, or a new one for about £60 with extras. It’s a fun way to explore hardware without breaking the bank!
I recommend snagging a copy of the Mike Meyers CompTIA A+ certification exam guide. It's a well-known resource that covers a lot of ground in hardware knowledge. Even an older edition can still be super helpful, and it really helped me fill in the gaps when I started working in IT right after high school.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'm actually from Washington, but I looked it up and found that WIOA is accessible here too.