M.D. As an aficionado of computer hardware, much like a lover of fine wine, I am often asked how I developed my interest and knowledge on the topic. I can't speak for Thomas Pabst, but my knowledge base grew out of the same scientific method that I learned in medical school. Trial and error is the layman's term for how most medical advances take place. Sometimes it is not even by choice.
Failure is often a better teacher than success.
It occurs to me that I recall my first experience with computer networking far better than I should. It was 1987, and my only experience with computers had come from a single Apple II computer and printer. My biggest challenge up to that time had been to enable lower case characters with a chip upgrade and to get the serial port to work. My new endeavor was to install three PC-compatible computers and to create a simple network that would allow the computers to talk to each other in my new office. Being a young doctor, and totally cocky from my Apple II success, I would not think of hiring a consultant for the task.