Does anybody know of something akin to the "Idiots Guide" to computing, or data structures,...or programming languages. I've been getting better for a long time now, but being self-taught in all I am having trouble wrapping my head around concepts that probably should have been apparent much earlier. I know it's all connected to a certain extent and I know that even the best programmer's in the world still feel like their often lost in a maze, but I was just thought someone would have some insight. And, believe me, I've been all over the net, read all the manuals, etc.; I was just wondering if their were some coveted and mystical piece of knowledge that will make me a whiz in about an hour or two. Many thanks for any responses.

As a topic, it's a bit broad. If you could narrow things down to a few questions/topics that interest your in particular, then it might be easier to make some suggestions.
cheers,
jdk

It depends on what exactly you want; I have a fantastic book next to me called Linux kernel Development by Robert Love, but I wouldn't reccommend it for Data Structures. I'd reccommend Dive Into Python for learning a good chunk of python over the course of a weekend, but would that explain how byte-compiling works? No.

The problem with 'Learning Programming' or other huge tasks is that there are no guides, nor can you *really* learn how to become a good one, you either think like a programmer or you can't; which is why after a while learning new languages and concepts is a lot easier than learning your first language.

Perhaps you ought to ask us about particular things you're having trouble with, or at least you ought to ask in the Programmin Forum.

LINUX Rute User's Tutorial and Exposition by Paul Sheer is a very informative introductory work for would-be Linux system admins.

The Computer Itself section of the Linux Knowledge Base and Tutorial does a decent job of summarizing the important parts of computer hardware IMHO.

You have read all the manuals ?
That would take me a lifetime

You want a "mystical piece of knowledge that will make me a whiz in about an hour or two"

I don't think this is going to happen.

Take things one step at a time. Focus on what is useful, or interesting, to yourself. You'll get there, in due time, and with due diligence.

Have fun with linux. Play with it. You will learn.

Hi,

Look at the 'Linux Books & Online Magazines' section.

This link and others are available from 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

You need to pick specific topics and research them, one at a time. There's no 'overall' guide, as that would be enormous.
Wikipedia is a good place to start, especially for general concepts.
You can use those articles as starting points, then research any references/concepts from there.

There's a massive set of online texts at www.linuxtopia.org.

These books will often be referenced: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art...er_Programming

Another classic author: W Richard Stevens http://www.kohala.com/start/