Ok, the thread title was lame - I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be a tard...
A couple of years ago, my every waking moment was spent reading hardware retailer's websites and memorising spec sheets. I thought I knew everything about computers, electronic products on the market, and what exactly I was going to spend my money next, and why. Back then I had a lot of free time, and was relatively free to concentrate on being just such an enthusiast.
Then, for the two following years, school work started piling up along with countless other things to distract me from my one true love. I couldn't afford to browse spec sheets aimlessly anymore, so thought I'd try a practical approach. I piled up as many computer parts as I could to satiate my desires, but it didn't get any better.
This last year I've had about an hour or two a week to spend on actually playing with machines or reading forums about them. I subscribed to RSS feeds long ago, but I checked them so intermittently that I was often disheartened with the prospect of reading 3000 new headlines.
Now, I've fallen far behind. Farrrrrrr behind. I've bearly kept abreast of new developments - but unlike some of my friends (who had far too much time on their hands), was not able to absorb the information like a sponge.
I come to you, XS, for help. I know, this is what is seems: a tard noob's cry for help doing what he should be doing himself. I made a mental note to myself all year that at its end I would sit down for a month and reimmerse myself in the industry, and this was scheduled to start tonight - but my computer has packed a fit and won't start (hard drive I/O timeouts seem to be the culprit).
XS, I desire to be pro again. All I ask for (nicely) is a hand up:
Which review sites are best to frequent?
I mainly frequent anandtech, but know of the others. They all contain so much repeated information it's hard to find justification sometimes. Which do you guys browse (if any), and how often? Do you read an entire review or only the parts which interest you?
Which forums?
Obviously I read XS as often as possible (despite the somewhat gargantuan 500 new posts every day), and am aware of [H], although I do not frequent it as I should. I signed up to overclockers.com in one of my spare moments but haven't had much chance to go back.
Which feeds?
RSS is brilliant - but sometimes can be an information overload. I quickly get bored of reading about things I cannot touch or feel (mmmm), so my previous habit of multitudinous feed reading cannot remain. Are there are brilliant ones I should definitely subscribe to? (I request opinions, as I know more of what's out there than what to think of them.)
Lastly, I know that to be a legend you need experience. I will make time for this experience, have no doubt, and I'm not trying to get something for nothing here (as some would probably rush to accuse me) - but if you feel an alien in your own neighbourhood then you've got to start making friends again somehow, right? Right?
If anyone has any suggestions, that would be lovely. I've finished high school now, so time has made itself available. I don't wish to waste it.
Thanks so much in advance!
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Originally Posted by Magnj
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