How do I expand my knowledge or mastery of the Windows OS?

Just in case the heading wasn't clear enough, I basically want some advice on how to become a "pro" at using Windows. I want to expand my geek powers and become more of a power user. Any links to pages detailing how I go about this or advice will be appreciated.

What I have going for me:

> I know how to use virtual machines(primarily to boot Ubunutu, Fedroa and Pear OS7).

> I know how to troubleshoot some basic or common windows problems. I actually love the process of trouble shooting and trying to isolate the problem.

> I know some of the acronyms, terminology or lingo commonly used in the tech world. You know, OEMs, BIOS, drivers, SSD, HDD, HTML etc.

> Know how to install useful plug-ins like WOT and adBlock.

> I do noob level "coding". I finished the course on HTML, CSS and JQuery at codecademy and I am in the process of finishing Javascript. For Loops are giving me a lot of trouble though :/

> Was accepted to a Four Year Software Engineering BA degree program in the UK. I start in Jan 2014.

> Love explain to people what I already know or understand about PCs.

> I am a tech news junky so a lot of free times goes towards reading posts on Cnet, Gizmodo, Engadget, Life Hacker, etc. Not a day goes by where I don't look at tech news.

> Subbed to tech channels on youtube, like Locker Gnome, Cnet tv, XDA developers, Marques Brownlee, Duncan33303 etc

> I can navigate a computer using only the keyboard at an average level.

> I know some shortcuts like ctrl + alt + del.

> troubleshoot hardware issues. e.g. My older laptop would freeze on me whenever I played games or anything graphic intensive. I tried updating my display drivers, Windows Updates, used utilities to check my hard drive, etc. I even opened up the laptop and cleaned it out. I eventually got to the issue; one of my RAM slot was faulty.

What I don't know or have under my belt:

< Can't use the command line efficiently or effectively. In fact I don't use it at all. That needs to change.

< There are still lots of terminologies I don't know and concepts I don't understand.

< Don't know a lot of the shortcuts.

< Can't read and full understand resource usage.

< Long story short, I don't know how to use my computer to its full potential. I don't think I am close either.



For years I've been using Windows as an average user but I wanna get deeper into it. I am starting to see Windows as more than just a medium to access FB and play games. I am seeing it as a useful tool.

Any advice?

sorry fr the typos... Too tired to re-read.

I would suggest:
Online video tutorials & training | lynda.com

But if you really want to expand why not Get Certificated by taking exams after some training:
IT Certifications | Microsoft Learning

Microsoft Certification is certainly a good way to get structured knowledge on specific areas.

But here's another way to get a broad knowledge and lots of tricks you'll never discover during exam preparation: read this forum daily, learn problem solving methods from other members and try to help people whenever you can Actually, lots of problems can be solved with Google, you just have to spend time on research.

You'll be very good in a year, especially with troubleshooting. Have fun!

a couple of goods links from the microsoft MVP program i'am part of .also the link in my signature for basic stuff

Explore Windows 8 - Features, Store, FAQ, Windows To Go | TechNet

and
English - Microsoft Community Online Video Tips - YouTube

For an "average" user, you're more advanced. Don't fret too much.

Command prompt...that is useful for advanced technical things if you do such. Netsh and disk part come to mind. Although I'm not terribly sure if that is SUCH a hugely needed thing to know.

Terminologies and concepts can be learned, what do you need to know?

Also, what shortcuts are needed to be known?

Believe you me, the internet is your best friend. Bing (if you want to do google, not that there is anything wrong with that) things, enter in what you want to find out and research the hell out of it.

Someone posted already, yes, DEFINITELY read these forums daily. They are usually a good source of knowledge of troubleshooting, perspectives, etc. The Tutorials thread here is actually a very excellent place to start to learn the ways of the Windows 8 especially.

WinRT is an interesting concept...

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I'll definitely go with some of the ideas presented!

Coke Robot said:

For an "average" user, you're more advanced. Don't fret too much.

Command prompt...that is useful for advanced technical things if you do such. Netsh and disk part come to mind. Although I'm not terribly sure if that is SUCH a hugely needed thing to know.

Terminologies and concepts can be learned, what do you need to know?

Also, what shortcuts are needed to be known?

Believe you me, the internet is your best friend. Bing (if you want to do google, not that there is anything wrong with that) things, enter in what you want to find out and research the hell out of it.

Someone posted already, yes, DEFINITELY read these forums daily. They are usually a good source of knowledge of troubleshooting, perspectives, etc. The Tutorials thread here is actually a very excellent place to start to learn the ways of the Windows 8 especially.

WinRT is an interesting concept...

Click to expand...

I'd like a comprehensive list of all the tech terms I should know. Having that would be great!

At least I have a fairly solid foundation. I just have to build on it slowly. I have a habit of going too fast too soon.

this site is good one to lookup The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary tech terms when you come across one your not sure what it means .

caperjack said:

this site is good one to lookup The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary tech terms when you come across one your not sure what it means .

Click to expand...

Many thanks! It's just what I needed.

I've learned a lot from sites like this. Much more than I keep straight or remember but the tutorials on Eight Forums are great.

Windows 8 Tutorials

Windows 8 - Tutorial Index