I am an 18 year old hobbyist who is starting to turn my hobby into more of a business. I first started working with computers when I was about fourteen. The first computer I used was an extremely ancient DOS machine that my Uncle dug out of his attic for me to play with. One of the first programs I found on it was QBasic, and I have been programming ever since. The vast majority of my computer knowledge has been developed by hours of trial and error experimentation. I have also made extensive use of help files. Since I had no computer books I learned to always read through the whole help file before I started using a program. Well that was then, I now have dozens of computer and electrical engineering books and have treated myself to a more formal education of computer science. Not that I have had the opportunity to take formal schooling. At this point that is a little beyond my budget. But rather, even if I could not afford college, I could afford the books they use in colleges and universities. I read them myself and did my own experiments and research. In this way I was able to get a college education for a fraction of the price.

I have been developing Windows applications for several years now. Two years ago I began working for an accountant. This opened up many doors of opportunity for developing applications suited to his clients needs. This real world experience has vastly increased my skill level and interest in the subject. As I dig deeper into computer science my interests have constantly been growing roots in new directions. My latest area of interest is in system automation and developing hardware applications that can interface with my windows applications. I have spent most of my spare time this winter study Pic MCU and their architecture. I am finding the assembly language programming relatively easy and extremely fascinating. The part I am having difficulty with is developing the hardware aspects of it. My current study includes electronic engineering. But I am finding a few of the concepts difficult to grasp with no teacher. Mainly because I do not have the equipment to experiment with what I am studying. You can experiment with software with little cost, however hardware is a different story.

I just recently found out about the Piclist. It did not take me long at all after I joined to see that it will be of an immeasurable help to me. Thanks a lot to all you pros who have hiked the learning curve and help beginners like me.

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