Codecademy

Just signed up for Codecademy. I only did the first two lessons in Python. Overall it is teaching the syntax. The first two lessons were "Python Syntax" and "Tip Calculator".

I thought it was a nice way of learning how to begin writing programs. It makes it simple, which I feel is very important for a beginner. Just show some things you should know and learn through writing simple code. Look forward to doing this a little bit each day. Will update when I get my books I ordered on Amazon.

Computer

I received my new computer today that I will use for learning how to program. Still waiting for my Python books. A friend of mine suggested codecademy.com. May try there and see what that's like.

Asus X551M

Processor: 2.4 ghz

RAM: 4 GB

HDD: 500 GB

Last year I bought my first Apple laptop. It took about 5 minutes to set everything up and about a week to get used to the UI and different terminology. Now I very much love my Mac. This new computer is my first venture with Windows 8. It took about 45 minutes to set everything up with Microsoft and have it get things ready so I can use it. Then I have to delete all the fluff like Twitter, and other worthless apps. (However I realize this website might be in the same catergory as Twitter)

I know I shouldn't be quick to judge, but I can't see buying a non Apple computer product. I bought this Windows computer so I can have something inexpensive and not have to worry about clogging it up with things. It seems like it should serve this purpose, but if I ever need a computer that I want to do actual work on, it would take something outstanding to convince me that Windows is currently superior.

RIP XP...

Also, I wrote this on my iPad. Finishing this up on my new computer and yes, still very strange to use. Why do I have to change Internet Explorer to be used in desktop view? Why put the address bar at the bottom in what I'm assuming is some kind of app based usage of IE. Is that more convenient? I can't imagine getting used to that.

Learning to Program

I have an interest in learning programming. There is a local college offering a class but after some online research, and the classes not fitting into my schedule, I decided to teach myself.

After more research in online forums I decided on starting out in Python. It seems generally accepted that if one is new to programming, Python is the place to start. I did have a C++ class in high school, but as of now, that was 10 years ago.

I bought a computer online and two books about learning Python programming language. Once I get the books I will begin posting here my adventure into the world of programming. I will try to document what I'm learning and what my accomplishments and thoughts are as I learn. If anyone out there stumbles upon this and has any helpful suggestions, please do so. My next update will be when my computer and books arrive at my home.