The Dink Network

does any one besides me have no profesional computer use in like schools and stuff?

what do you mean exactly?

i mean that u havent taken any special classes for using vomputers and just started after findin this web site and decided to see if u can even come close to makin dmods as great as the ones i found

I've never been taught anything to do with computers, apart from the VERY basics. Things such as "How to open Word?" and "Why we do not use an actual mouse?".

DinkC is the only programming language (bar BASIC) I have even the slightest clue about. And I don't know much about DinkC, when it comes down to it...

So RANKN67, you're not the only one. I never took any classes in computers. Actually DinkC is the first thing I learned to program, and it's still pretty much the only 'programming language' I know. (I started reading into C++ a few weeks ago, but not so intensively)

Well, basically anyone can make a decent D-Mod though it's easier (or harder) for some than for others. Some have no knowledge about what actually happens inside that white/black (neon-lit? ) box while others spent hours behind a monitor each day.

And when it comes down to making a D-Mod, there are various things you have learn, like how to use the tools ((Win)DinkEdit) and how a scripting language works (DinkC, with syntax similar to C) but also, what makes a good game or map.

From what I know, D-Mod authors haven't taken any courses to create good D-Mods (though they do exist, just not specifically for D-Mods ), they have just read the tutorials, messed around with the editor a bit and looked at how others achieved certain tricks. That's basically all there is to it, provided you have enough time to mess around a bit and try things out.

I am originally self taught. I started with a VIC20, when everyone else was migrating to 64. I learned a lot about not wasting space, which tends to limit what I can program now. You'd think that having 512mb would remove these barriers, but habits are hard to break.

I traversed through C64, C128 and Amiga. Then I found Dos3, then windows 3.0. I taught myself to repair Windows by trying to find ways to make it blow up. I have been A+ for 14 years, and MCP Windows Desktop 10 years.

While working in the field, I took many application specific trainings, mostly from a support perspective. I then took CCNA at night school in our local college, and during the 4th semester, I stopped working full time, and returned to full time classes towards a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Accounting/Economics. I let you know how that one pans out.

I tend to be long winded, in case you hadn't noticed , but mostly I am self taught. I do realize there are benefits to formal training as well. If everyone tends to follow the same protocols, it becomes easier to interact in large environments such as Corporate Enterprise scale installations.

At the same time, I am much further from being a know-it-all, than I was at the start of my computer learning, 22 years ago.

Keep your chin up kid and be a sponge for learning. As you age and start having children of your own, you slow down on learning new things and have to learn how to teach your children the same old things, but in new ways.

mm

I took a course in computer hardware this year, after I found Dink and found out how much I enjoyed messing with the things. It was interesting, since I didn't know the first thing about computers, but it was fun, and I now have half a qualification.

<blockquote>I am originally self taught. I started with a VIC20, when everyone else was migrating to 64. I learned a lot about not wasting space, which tends to limit what I can program now. You'd think that having 512mb would remove these barriers, but habits are hard to break.

I traversed through C64, C128 and Amiga. Then I found Dos3, then windows 3.0. I taught myself to repair Windows by trying to find ways to make it blow up. I have been A+ for 14 years, and MCP Windows Desktop 10 years.
</blockquote>

Can I worship you?

I started on an Apple//c in the late nineties, learned BASIC and assembly, got a second hand 386 and started learning C. For a while, I had so customized Win3.11 that one could say it was skinned (all embedded bitmaps and cursors).

Went to some crappy 18-month tech school that took my money and didn't teach me anything I didn't learn on-line the week before. Got a copy of Debian Linux from a classmate and fell in love. (With Linux, not the classmate.)

After that, I've been screwing around with C, ECMAScript, PostScript, and Dink on Win32 because my Linux box is still a third-hand 486 a teacher gave me when my 386 blew up.

Also: While you were on the C64, did you ever play a game called Planet of the Robots?

Worship me not.
I envy you for your Apple, I never had one of my own.

IMHO, Some of these so called "tech schools" are a blight on the industry. The fact that they can pump out more paper certifications in a month, than the corporations can create jobs is mind boggling.

I have even seen many Ads from schools offering Cisco, M$, Novel etc. certification training; in which they offer to write the exam for an additional $300. US. Thus a University Degree (in any field) is a great benefit.

Most of the games I played came in the Computer Gazette, which gave me my introduction to Assembly. I forget most of the games, as I was more into the "learning to program" thing.

Ahh! I still remember my first Trident video card and the performance boost I gained when I increased it's Ram from 256k - 512k. Mind you, modems were peaking at 4800 then too.

I also remember when Remote Access was a BBS software.

Linux? I fooled with LRP before Cisco brought out their 800 series and I know what a manpage is, but that's about it. Maybe if my Windows stops blowing up all on it's own, I may take the time to check it out.

What Certification did you get half of?

IMHO, Cisco will be a worthwhile place for a few years. UML will replace many of the programmers, but there will be a need in Telecom, at least until they have fiber in the home.

My 2p, mm.

CompTIA A+ or something, I forget.

Congraduations.

I got my A+ with win3.xx, then my first MCP with Win 95. If you are into network routing at all, the Cisco curriculum will give you enough to write Network+ well before you finish all the modules, if you are taking the curriculum provided by Cisco.net.

All of the + certifications are entry level at best, but the more feathers in your cap, the greater edge you will have in the job market.

mm