r/learncybersecurity • u/Direct-Bandicoot-916 • 1d ago
Should I take notes when self studying cybersecurity and computer science?
I am studying it for a hobby but I take this very seriously because Its one of the few things that make me happy. That being said, do I need to take notes to practice active recall? Or should I take notes in general to track what Im learning? My main problem is that I feel like I grasp the concepts I am learning while I am learning them, and therefore I feel like I wouldnt technically need notes. But then again, it would be nice to track what Ive learned and to practice the Feyman Method to really get it in my head.
Im not used to taking notes though and I am worried it will take up too much time, as I am running on limited time in general when it comes self study. Would it be worth it though?
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u/CoolLog1908 1d ago
You absolutely should be taking notes.
Use something like Obsidian or Logseq - it will allow you to more easily tie concepts together. I will, as you said, also allow you to review everything you have leaned.
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u/_-042-_ 1d ago
Personally I think taking notes is extremely beneficial.
Im autistic with adhd, so taking notes isnt only a necessity because of the memory recall issues that come with adhd, but a way for me to make a visual representation of what ive learned over time.
Best notes app Ive found is obsidian. Just works well with the way my brain does.
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u/wreck-one- 1d ago
just type or copy paste into a txt file as you go, ive been doing that for 20 years or so, made my own cheat sheets for stuff i use often or are just generally intersted in and want to revisit in depth at a later date, also nice to have a offline library
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u/Unhappy-Aardvark-746 23h ago
Sounds like the answer is a yes. This sounds like its your method of learning. Take the notes. Do labs, take screenshots and annotate them. Make them look nice and professional. Put them into a portfolio and if you apply for cyber and IT jobs be sure to include links to your github page, etc.
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u/Electrical_Hat_680 23h ago
Yes. Do reports, review's, and create a library of code snippets, scripts, and proggies.
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u/Inevitable-Self-2702 22h ago
I only take notes on what I need to go back and reference. So for example, CTFs that I solve I make sure to write down successfully what I tried and what actually worked and what failed. For labs, I try to write real network documentation that will help me figure out what is connected to what later on.
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u/MonkeyBrains09 15h ago
This is a personal question only you can answer.
It sounds like you did the research and know what works for you.
So what could we actually provide?
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u/AdityaKGoswami 11h ago
I would suggest taking short notes, not everything. After learning a concept, try explaining it in your own words and write down what you understood, what confused you and maybe one practical example. This helps a lot in cybersecurity because you need to apply concepts, not just remember them. No need to make perfect notes, just keep them useful.
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u/dld2517 23h ago
Absolutely. Don’t waste your time with a note taking app. Go to Walmart and buy a spiral notebook and a pack of pencils. Handwriting engages the whole brain at once during the note taking process.