Best resources for a crash-course in Comp Sci?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I have been getting into programming lately as I’ve found I rather enjoy it. Even though I am more tech-savvy than your average Joe, it makes me aware that there are large gaps in my knowledge of computer science. I’d like to fill a few of those gaps in a relatively short time (I’m a quick study), and I’m looking for recommendations for good books/online resources*.

I know about HowStuffWorks, which I use a lot, but it really just gives tidbits here and there. I want something that gives a little more of a comprehensive overview of the core concepts in mankind’s current knowledge of CompSci, but without going into as much depth as getting a whole 'nother Bachelor’s degree.

*I actually have access to Safari/ProQuest Tech Books which has a lot of amazing resources and is what I’m sure I’ll end up using, but there are so many titles available that I need recommendations that might help me narrow down my options. Bonus if it is something like “CompSci topics especially directed toward programmers” but more general stuff is OK too.

2

It’s a little pricey, but this book appears to be a pretty solid overview of most of the major topics in computer science. You can program without knowing some of these things, but it’s still good to have some breadth. Check your local library to see if they have a copy before you lay out the cash, though.

3

Since you’re looking for advice, I’ll move this to our advice-seeking forum, IMHO.

twickster, MPSIMS moderator

4

Well, the Knuth books are considered really solid basics of the field. But probably a bit more than something you can absorb in a ‘crash course’.

5

Perhaps opencourseware would do the trick (e.g., MIT’s EE and CS offerings)?

That may be more in-depth than you’re looking for, however…