If you have ever learned something without the help of someone else, you’ve engaged in autodidactic behavior. An autodidact is simply someone who teaches themselves. And in the age of the internet, it has become much easier than ever before. For this week’s blog entry, I’ll be introducing some amazing websites that can aid you in your pursuit of computer-related knowledge. Ready to get started?

 1. Lifehacker

While Lifehacker doesn’t exclusively cover computers, a good portion of its articles can enlighten you in all things digital. Here are a few categories to get you started:

http://lifehacker.com/laptops/

http://lifehacker.com/home-theater-pc/

http://lifehacker.com/open-source/

http://lifehacker.com/privacy/

2. DSLReports

Started in 1999 as a resource for people making the switch from dial-up modems to broadband, it has now exploded into an all-encompassing computer help site. By registering a username (or by logging in with your Google, Yahoo, Twitter, OpenID, or Blogger username), you can create your own topic on the forums relating to whatever computer issue you may be experiencing. The community is as friendly as it is knowledgeable.

3. TechTutorials

If you consider your computer ability about average – not an expert but certainly not a beginner either – and you’d like to learn more, TechTutorials is the answer. Covering advanced topics like Linux, virtualization, and programming, it’s a great place to get closer to becoming the “computer person” among your friends and family.

4. Computer Hope

Like its name says, there is hope! The tips section at Computer Hope has plenty of links to peruse through. Targeted at computer users of all levels, it offers tips on hardware, software, and internet related issues.

5. Nerd Busters Blog

Updated every week, the Nerd Busters blog should probably be your homepage 😉 Covering issues ranging from computers to home audio/video to small business, you are sure to learn something new with each visit! And if you find yourself living in or near San Francisco, we do house calls! Friendly, informative, and helpful are just a few of the adjectives that have been used to describe our services 🙂

While this is most certainly not a comprehensive list, these resources are a great place to get started. Computers have become a part of nearly everyone’s daily life, so it’s helpful to know a thing or two when it comes to using or fixing them. Know of a good site I missed? Let us know in the comments!