Internet vs Books

[Tommaso]

What does everyone think. Is it better to use a book or the internet to learn about something computer related? For example I am just now starting to learn some HTML. I have learned a few basics without even visiting the bookstore. I am just using free online tutorials. On the other hand, for Java, i prefered to purchase a few books myself. What do you guys prefer and how do you think that the internet will change over the next 20 years. Will we have full blown books and tutorials available for free?

[onlinebacon]

I would say, books

[carlosponti]

books usually. even though books are usually behind a bit they are still way more structured. you can feel out bits and pieces on a subject but it is more difficult to bring all of that together. i just bought a book on linux wireless and i have learned more about it than i ever got off the internet. also books force you to make time for reading it. the internet its always there and can be related to whenever so it doesnt force you to read thoroughly.

[dylunio]

I prefere books if I want to find out something about a pertigular subject, e.g. how to learn Perl, since all the information needed is in one place, well structured, and I can read it at school or on the train.

Where I do find the internet usful is when I have X Y or Z problem, I'll search for it and I'll usually find a mailing list or blog post with all I need to fix the problem, nothing more and nothing less. Also, do you realy want to shell out on a book which you'll use half a chapter of which is of only some use?

dylunio

[Nerderello]

what are books?



No, seriously. Books eveytime.

Nerderello

[bidi]

I like to use a combination between actual books and online books. It's nice read book because, like was said a few times before, they're structured. But then online books usually pretty structured (ie: linuxcommand.org and, of course, tldp.org). Not to mention, online books are usually free, so if you just want to check something out or are learning something because of a hobby, they're nicer (I actually learned quite a bit about shell scripting using those, just as a hobby though, cause I don't really program anything).

[fingal]

With books you have more quality control. By the time you buy one it's been proof read, edited and scrutinised by a whole team of people. With stuff from the net, it could be just a lone person with some inaccurate ideas.

So books first, then use the net to supplement what you're learning. Having said that - there is some very good stuff out there if you pick and chose.

[Tommaso]

I am surprised that most of you are saying books only. I think that books are mostly better, but sometimes they do not cover all topics very well, where as the internet generally does not contain as much depth, but it convers almost everything. And for most trouble shooting a problem, google is a much better tool than any text book.

[irasmith]

Personally, I use a combination of books and the Internet.

For the Internet, I have not gotten into the 'books on line' mode. Instead, the Internet for me is used for searching published articles, technical blog entries, and of course on-line forums such as the ones on this site. The Internet provides many perspectives, and that helps me out at times to see the other side of the coin or see the other side of the story so to speak.

I use books for the deeper volument of learning on a specific matter. While web sites with published articles and documents is great along with forums and the like, none of them can provide the depth of focus on a single subject like a book on that subject can.

I also use books for certification study like I am currently doing with my studies for .NET 2.0 certification. There are a series of books Microsoft outlines which covers the material on the exam.

So I prefer to think of things in terms of what is most useful to me for the specifc need that I have at that moment. I think I will be using both books and the Internet in combination will always be the way I do things when it comes to learning

[fingal]

I am surprised that most of you are saying books only. I think that books are mostly better, but sometimes they do not cover all topics very well, where as the internet generally does not contain as much depth, but it convers almost everything. And for most trouble shooting a problem, google is a much better tool than any text book.

I think that's right Tommaso. Sometimes the net is better. You just need to select material more carefully. When I was a student a few years ago I had a 'Wow' moment with the net when I realised it was helping me to find research material.