Understanding Technology For Survival and Resistance

By Cade Shadowlight (and Grok, created by xAI)

I need to seriously upgrade by tech skills, so I went to X's Grok AI to ask for some advice. Here is what Grok recommends (links added by me):

Understanding Technology For Survival and Resistance 

Starting from a survivalist or resistance perspective, where understanding technology deeply can be crucial, here's how you can begin learning:

1. Understanding Technology and Jargon

• Online Platforms:
  • Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer courses on basic to advanced tech concepts. Look for introductions to computer science, IT, or tech literacy courses.
  • Tech YouTube Channels like 3Blue1Brown for math in tech, Computerphile for computer science concepts, or Techquickie for tech basics.
• Books:
  • "Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software" by Charles Petzold for understanding how computers work. (Amazon link)
  • "The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book" by Andriy Burkov for a quick grasp of AI concepts.
    (Amazon link)
• Communities:
  • Join forums like Reddit's r/tech or Stack Exchange's various tech-related communities where you can ask questions and learn jargon in context.

2. Computer Programming and Coding

• Choose a Language:
  • Python is an excellent starter language due to its readability and wide use in AI, web development, and more.
  • JavaScript for web technologies.
  • C++ or Java if you're interested in system-level programming or game development.
• Learning Resources:
  • Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and LeetCode for interactive coding lessons and challenges.
  • MIT's OpenCourseWare for free lectures on programming from a prestigious institution.
• Practice:
  • Start with simple projects on platforms like GitHub. Projects could range from a simple calculator to a basic game or a website.

3. Artificial Intelligence

• Foundational Knowledge:
  • Learn about machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning. Courses like Andrew Ng's on Coursera are highly recommended.
  • Read "Deep Learning" by Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, and Aaron Courville for a comprehensive text.
    (Amazon link)
• Practical Experience:
  • Implement small AI projects using libraries like TensorFlow or PyTorch. Start with image recognition or simple prediction models.

4. Computer Hacking (Ethical Hacking)

• Ethical Considerations:
  • Always ensure you're learning and practicing hacking in legal, ethical ways. Unauthorized hacking is illegal.
• Learning Path:
  • Certifications: Look into CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
  • Platforms: TryHackMe or Hack The Box for hands-on experience in a legal, controlled environment.
• Books and Courses:
  • "The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing" by Patrick Engebretson.
    (Amazon link)
  • Online courses on platforms like Udemy or Cybrary focusing on ethical hacking.

General Tips:

• Consistency is Key: Learning tech requires patience and consistent effort. Allocate time daily or weekly for study.
• Join Communities: Engage with online communities or local meetups to learn from others and stay updated.
• Project-Based Learning: Learning by doing is incredibly effective. Try to build something with what you learn, even if it's small.
• Security and Ethics: Always prioritize learning about cybersecurity and ethical implications, especially with hacking.

Remember, the tech field is vast and ever-evolving. Your journey will be ongoing, so stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to new technologies as they emerge.

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Ad:  A good introduction to the world of information systems and artificial intelligence is Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, by Yuval Noah Harari. It shows how the flow of information has shaped the world we live in, and how it will shape our future, providing important context for the opportunities and threats AI provides. (Amazon link).