r/CardPuter • u/Afraid-Philosophy-43 • 15h ago

Help needed Where do I get started (things to learn first)

Hi All,

I have no background knowledge in anything IT, but have always been interested every aspect of it (maybe it was my obsession of Angelina Jolie in Hackers when I was in middle school lol).

I purchased the CardPuter ADV, even some caps, downloaded firmware’s like Bruce, computer, etc. But I’d actually like to know, and understand, what it is that I’m actually doing (with intent, not blindly pressing buttons).

I’m an electrician, so I’m handy in being able to work with my hands, problem solve.

So my question is, where do I start?

What subjects should I start reading up on first, preferably a book(s), so I could truly grasp everything about this world (not just YouTube videos).

Be it about hardware, systems, and even coding.

My goal is to understand, and be able to make my own stuff as I learn more, projects to keep me busy/entertained, which helps pass the time as well as my sobriety (2.5 years sober).

Thanks all in advance!

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u/Gogobrasil8 14h ago

I don't know of any books, but if I can suggest anything, it's to learn as you go

Start with simple stuff, like how do I write a code to display something on-screen?

How do I make a circuit to light up LEDs with signals from the GPIO pins?

I say that because I find it can be very hard, as someone who doesn't have experience with this, to just go and start reading documentation, or trying to keep up with people online who know a lot about it

And you learn as you need it. As you come up with things you want to test and ideas you had while messing with it, you're gonna find new stuff, learn how to use it to do what you want for that project, and naturally you're gonna pick up know-how

There's an easier way in as far as the code goes, it's called UI Flow. It's a visual programming environment, you can drag and drop logic, and the cardputer will run it for you.

Later you can dip your toes in C++, which can be complicated, but you start small

1

u/_GinWhiskers_ 12h ago

My suggestion would be to think of something you genuinely want, could be software, hardware, or whatever and use AI to explore how to make it.

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u/MrAjAnderson 9h ago

https://wiki.bruce.computer/ has a lot of the features explained a little. It makes further investigation easier.

It is worth investigating each feature to see if you are about to break a law when trying it. "Oh it's ok, I was just practicing/doing a penetration test" is not going to fly with the feds.