∟⊔⊤∦∣≶Feb 29, 2024

What things am I a dumbass about?

https://lemmy.nz/post/7467338

What things am I a dumbass about? - Lemmy NZ

Had someone contact me because a browser interface was ‘down’ and it was actually a cert issue. It surprised me that in an IT context, this person didn’t have a basic understanding of SSL certs. They didn’t even know how to add a cert exception. It got me thinking, what basic ubiquitous things am I a dumbass about outside of IT? Ive seen lots of ‘fun facts’ compilations, but it would be better to get a wide range of subject suggestions that I can spend 30 minutes each or less on, and become a more capable human. Like what subjects would plumbers consider basic knowledge? Chemical interactions between cleaning products and PVC pipes? What would an accountant or a landscaper consider to be so basic its shocking people can live their lives without knowing any of it? For most areas of expertise, its difficult to know even what the basics are to start with.

Show threadjballsFeb 29, 2024

I’m constantly amazed at how many people don’t understand the concepts of basic finance and how compound interest works.

Years ago, I brought my laptop with me to buy a car so I could plug all the numbers into a quick amortization schedule. The sales person offered me a choice of $1,500 cash back or 1.9% financing instead of the typical rate a few percentage points higher.

I plugged the numbers into my spreadsheet and saw taking the cash back would cost me a couple grand more than the lower finance rate. When I told him I wanted the finance rate instead of the cash back, he mentioned that I was the only person he’d seen not take the cash back.

Maybe he was pulling my chain, but in my experience, the average person doesn’t know what compound interest is, let alone what an amortization schedule is.

Show threadShady_ShiroeFeb 29, 2024

I believe knowing a little bit on how a car works helps you understand why maintenance is important or from getting scammed at mechanics, I loved old commercials like these that explain in such an easy way. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYAw79386WI

Some skills I wanna pick up is how to micro solder, I deal with a lot of tech and sometimes you just need a type c port replaced and soldering iron is not the easiest tool for tiny pins.

Around The Corner - How Differential Steering Works (1937)

How the automobile differential allows a vehicle to turn a corner while keeping the wheels from skidding.Differential steering From Wikipedia, the free encyc...

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Show thread∟⊔⊤∦∣≶

Learning about cars, engines and motorbike maintenance at this stage in life really opened my eyes. I could have easily been a mechanic or an engineer if I had the access to this knowledge when I was younger.

Now I do as much of my own maintenance as I can, and I’m pretty sure my engine will hit 400K before I start getting serious issues. None of it is overly complicated or difficult, and saves me money in the short and long term.

Feb 29, 2024 at 11:51pmWeb
Show threadShady_ShiroeMar 1, 2024
I was fortunate to have a dad who had the tools, space, and time to teach me how to do repairs, with the things he taught me I can save a lot of money buying a beat up car and fixing it up for usually 1/3 to half the price of a used one.