[SynergizerX]

Hello,✌ im interested in Computer Science, mainly i want to know how and where to start and what areas of it(like what languages) to study of it in priority before eventually going into others. I know really nothing about coding other just a broad and very simplistic outsider view of it.

So here is what I want to be able to do someday:

1. I want to know how to prevent malicious attacks. I am not so much interesting in being able to attack users, but rather just all together being able to just fend off any blackhat things of the nature. In programming world, it can sometimes be the wild west out there, and id rather not be caught out here being naïve, as much as i'm kinda showcasing it now.

2. How to surf the net with anonymity. Pretty much just this, i know ive been told to use VPNs, but i feel like there probably more to it, like using firewalls, setting up specific stuff, just in general adding more layers of protection.

3. To be able to write programs that can analyze data for me. What i mean by this is, i have a background in Finance, i studied, and i graduated college with a degree on it, but at last, i realized that the stuff that i want to do, like being a financial analyst would have required me to have taking internships and social circles more serious. So i kinda want to be able to somehow combine what i know about Financial markets, and what i learn from coding to eventually be able to support myself financial independently. Whether that be myself only trading using what i learned from coding to make programs to help me best make financial decisions, or at least be comfortable enough to put it on my resume when i apply to a firm and to be able truly showcase what i can do for that company.

These 3 things are mainly what i hope to eventually be able to do/acheive.

If anyone can give me some input on all this or point me in the right direction of books, languages, or any type of information or sources i can use, i would forever be grateful. 👍

Thank you all!

-Syn

[tux1]

The good news is that your background in finance I imagine will have some transferable skills such as analyzing data/patterns etc.
Regarding the first 2 points it's best to do some research on this via google.
When it comes to programming I would recommending starting out with the Python language as it is fairly easy to learn and get started so it will help keep you motivated also there is loads of information & tutorials out there. There is also a course online called CS50 which is a free intro to computer science which is quite good (requires sign up). I hope the above helps.

[SynergizerX]

The good news is that your background in finance I imagine will have some transferable skills such as analyzing data/patterns etc.
Regarding the first 2 points it's best to do some research on this via google.
When it comes to programming I would recommending starting out with the Python language as it is fairly easy to learn and get started so it will help keep you motivated also there is loads of information & tutorials out there. There is also a course online called CS50 which is a free intro to computer science which is quite good (requires sign up). I hope the above helps.

Thank you, i took your suggestion and was glossing the points for CS50, and it does look interesting, I even saw they give you a certificate if you manage to complete and submit all the problem sets, so at least there is something to hammer my head around for now or at least try to. For the other 2 points, do you recommend any keywords i should search with to kinda help my google search?

[tux1]

Thank you, i took your suggestion and was glossing the points for CS50, and it does look interesting, I even saw they give you a certificate if you manage to complete and submit all the problem sets, so at least there is something to hammer my head around for now or at least try to. For the other 2 points, do you recommend any keywords i should search with to kinda help my google search?

No problem, maybe try searching for 'basic network security' or 'vpn tutorials'

There is some good stuff on youtube like the below that will go over the basics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_P23SqJaDc

[SynergizerX]

No problem, maybe try searching for 'basic network security' or 'vpn tutorials'

There is some good stuff on youtube like the below that will go over the basics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_P23SqJaDc

ill definitely favorite that video to watch, and search for those keyterms. Thanks again! 👍

[tonig007]

Google everyone is already posted.
You can also use Udemy (warez disallowed) for premium courses

[SynergizerX]

Google everyone is already posted.
You can also use Udemy (warez disallowed) (warez disallowed) for premium courses

Thank you! ill definitely check it out. ✌

[Sajuuk]

In terms of network security: yes, VPNs are the best option next to going off the grid.

As for automating analysis of any data, I side with tux in recommending Python. It shines in this area. Typing up scripts to do the work as opposed to making separate programs for specific uses with verbose, compiled languages like C/C++. Neither of those are fit for what you're looking for. Sure it can be done, but trust me... I know they're not meant for it from first-hand experience.

As far as preventing "black hat" activities, it takes one to know one. You have to be a step ahead of said blackhats, which is very much not often the case. You'll need knowledge of how hacking works to be able to prevent it, regardless of what method may be used. Become a hacker yourself and you'll know exactly what to prevent. Otherwise, you'll just be playing catch-up every time. You seem fairly competent judging by the way you word everything. I reckon you'll make a fine hacker.

[SynergizerX]

In terms of network security: yes, VPNs are the best option next to going off the grid.

As for automating analysis of any data, I side with tux in recommending Python. It shines in this area. Typing up scripts to do the work as opposed to making separate programs for specific uses with verbose, compiled languages like C/C++. Neither of those are fit for what you're looking for. Sure it can be done, but trust me... I know they're not meant for it from first-hand experience.

As far as preventing "black hat" activities, it takes one to know one. You have to be a step ahead of said blackhats, which is very much not often the case. You'll need knowledge of how hacking works to be able to prevent it, regardless of what method may be used. Become a hacker yourself and you'll know exactly what to prevent. Otherwise, you'll just be playing catch-up every time. You seem fairly competent judging by the way you word everything. I reckon you'll make a fine hacker.

All of this gives me more perspective for sure, like how are you going to know what to protect yourself from if you do not know what type of attacks could come your way. I guess its like how people structure to own their craft, its probably the same in programming, how you use what you learn will determine how successful you are at one thing. I think ill definitely start with Python. 👍 Thank you I really do appreciate the guidance😁