Starting A Level Computing

[Mitchellderp]

Well, next Tuesday will be the start of the new school year for the UK, and last year I got to choose my options as to what GCSE's and A Levels I'll be doing.

I chose to do computing, as on day I'd like to do some sort of computer based job, and I was wondering if any of you had any recommended things to read or do before I start. I want a bit of a head start on things as the average grade across the nation last year was an E, and I was kinda hoping not to get that kind of mark I have no idea what languages we'll be learning so just general stuff would be nice.

Also, I was looking at buying a compact keyboard that I could take to school every so often. What's the best one for general use that isn't too costly? I've got a Blackwidow now so preferably not with MX Blues, but other than that I'm open to suggestions. To be honest I'm just using this school thing as an excuse to expand my keyboard collection as otherwise I doubt my parents would allow me to order things from the internet on their precious credit card. Call me a spoilt child if you wish, but I doubt you guys will looking at your collections...#

Thanks, Mitchell.

[kywirelessguy]

Did they give you a syllabus with a description of the class?

You've got to figure out where your passion is. Computing is such a general term.

You've got hardware specialists, software specialists, tech support, help desk, application programming, web design, web development, graphic art, information technology, networking, network security, etc. There are even some fake ones like SEO specialist.

When I was in high school our computing class taught us how to use microsoft word and excel and how to code enough HTML to make a geocities page. They should have called it introduction to receptionist 101, but it was an easy credit.

[Mitchellderp]

Did they give you a syllabus with a description of the class?

You've got to figure out where your passion is. Computing is such a general term.

You've got hardware specialists, software specialists, tech support, help desk, application programming, web design, web development, graphic art, information technology, networking, network security, etc. There are even some fake ones like SEO specialist.

When I was in high school our computing class taught us how to use microsoft word and excel and how to code enough HTML to make a geocities page. They should have called it introduction to receptionist 101, but it was an easy credit.

You see, that's the problem. We didn't get anything in the way of syllabus beforehand so we have literally no idea what's happening.

And ripster - I genuinely tried that one last night whilst walking the dog with my father and he asked what made it so special. I couldn't actually give a reason, so I think a HHKB is out of the equation.

Would a Poker be any good?

[HaveANiceDay]

I am disappointed your name is not Michelle.
Other than that, a "job with a computer" is far too abstract.

Know thy way, not the direction. --me

[Mitchellderp]

This is the problem  - I'm a 14 year old kid with no clue what to do. I've just read the sheet they gave us and it's incredibly vague, saying that we'll "learn the role of computers in society".

WTF does that even mean?

[Mitchellderp]

But I'm halfway through the Hobbit! If I stop now I'll never finish it!

[Mitchellderp]

wat

Also, I installed Firefox just for that, I see a lot has changed. Why does everything try to imitate Chrome? Or is Chrome the imitator?

[sordna]

A Poker is a fine choice for your situation. I like mine with reds. The KBTalking Pure, when it comes out, might be better though if you can wait, and it looks like it will have ISO layout too (if that's your preference).

[Mitchellderp]

A Poker is a fine choice for your situation. I like mine with reds. The KBTalking Pure, when it comes out, might be better though if you can wait, and it looks like it will have ISO layout too (if that's your preference).

Any word on pricings?

[Minskleip]

I like it A level. :eyebrows:

[Hak Foo]

look to theoretical stuff-- like structures-- which can be ran in the language of choice.