INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you're tired of the "typical" ways of having fun on your computer, why not take your passion to the next level? Learning how to code allows you design and write your own computer programs from the ground up. It's a little like learning a new language and can be a bit of a challenge, but it can be seriously rewarding (plus, it looks great on your resume.) There are a lot of different programming languages out there. Though there's no "right" way to learn to program, here are five languages frequently recommended for beginners: Python C/C++ Java Javascript Ruby Check out CodeAcademy.com for free interactive coding tutorials in a number of programming languages. Do you find yourself spending tons of time online? If so, consider learning the basics of web design so that you can create your own sites and give back to the online community! Some basic web design skills overlap with the list of basic programming languages above (for instance, many sites use Javascript.) On the other hand, skills like HTML coding offer the chance to learn web-centric programming. Did you know that you don't necessarily have to use the operating system your computer came with? It's true Mac computers can run Windows, PCs can run macOS, and both can run Linux! Getting these setups can be tricky, so consult the support page of the program you use (or browse our help articles) if you run into problems. To run Windows on a Mac, use: Boot Camp (comes pre-installed or available for free download) Parallels Desktop for Mac To run a Mac OS on a PC, use: A bootable USB drive A virtual machine app like VMWare. Also consider alternatives like Ubuntu, Debian, and Haiku. If you can't get the performance you want out of your computer the way it is, consider opening it up and changing your physical hardware. Depending on what you intend to do, this can actually be surprisingly easy (as long as you have a PC, as most Mac upgrades have to be done by Apple). However, since it's easy to damage the fragile components inside a computer, it's important only to try this if you know what you're doing. Here are some components that can be modified or replaced to increase a computer's performance: Graphics card Sound card Fan/cooling system RAM Processor/CPU If you're feeling especially ambitious, try making computer maintenance a hobby. Some people like to take apart and rebuild their computers for fun just like people who enjoy tooling around on cars. Best of all, this practical know-how will give you a natural knowledge of the inside of a computer that most people can only dream of.

SUMMARY: Learn to write code. Learn web design. Explore new operating systems. Upgrade your computer.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: People often ask about each other's beliefs and invite one another to religious gatherings. You can either choose to dodge the questions, or answer them. There is no need to wear an "Atheist" T-shirt everywhere you go, but if you are going to identify publicly as an atheist, you have to come right out and say "I am an atheist," and be prepared for the conversation that follows. Saying something such as "I am not religious and prefer not to discuss religion," is a good way to end the conversation most of the time. Keep in mind that some people will still continue to ask you questions, and you can still insist that you would prefer to talk about something else. You may be asked a lot of questions. Sometimes, this is out of genuine curiosity, and others times, it is an attempt to shame or convert you. It is up to you what you disclose and to whom you disclose it. If you are asked what religion you observe during a job interview, you can easily redirect the question with something like "I do not feel like my spirituality is relevant to this interview." Some people choose to post their religious beliefs, or lack thereof, on their profile. Others simply do not share the information. Still, others post very deliberately about their atheism. Consider your standing in your profession and community and the degree to which you are willing to create controversy to post on social media. That said, it is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong decision. Remember that employers (and future employers) will have access to the information you share. If you fear that being openly atheist will damage your career, be careful about social media. Do this only if you feel comfortable. There is no need to discuss the topic, but it is also illegal to for anyone to discriminate against you for doing so. The culture of your workplace will heavily affect how you approach this topic with co-workers. If the conversation does come up in an uncomfortable way, it is usually best not to argue or debate with religious co-workers. Instead, say something like "If you'd like to discuss atheism more, we can have coffee sometime, but I am pretty busy right now." While you will experience some degree of intolerance, or at least confusion, for your atheist beliefs at times, do not fuel the discrimination. You do not have to partake or agree with someone else's point of view, but it is no more your right to change their mind than it is their right to change yours. Be as open-minded as you hope others will be and show respect. For example, if someone says "Bless you," after you sneeze, this is no reason to go on a rant about how you are an atheist and do not believe that there is a God to bless anyone. A simple "Thank you," will do. If an acquaintance is genuinely interested in your views, it is okay to discuss them. Just make sure to keep the conversation respectful on both ends.

SUMMARY: Be prepared to answer questions. Choose what you will share. Decide how to approach social media. Discuss the topic at work. Try to keep an open mind and be respectful of others.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Put a big smile on your face and walk over with confidence. Start the conversation with a warm hello and tell her your name. Try to avoid using any cheesy pick-up lines. She will probably see right through it and you may come across as disingenuous. Shake her hand too as a friendly gesture. Not only will she think you're a real gentleman, touching someone is a subtle way to flirt. If she's sitting alone or even with a friend, ask if you can hang with them for a bit. Don't just assume she's in the mood for company or a chit chat. Your politeness will work in your favor. Keep the subjects light, casual and fun. This should be a lighthearted exchange about very general topics. Consider, for example, asking her where she grew up, what school she attended, what type of music she listens to or where she's traveled to recently. Try to let her do most of the talking so you can really get to know her. If you are still stuck for conversation starters, consider that you clearly like the same types of places so ask if she's been there before or what her other favorite spots are around town. Let her know that you really like her eyes, her smile or her hair. Keep in mind that you don't have to compliment a physical attribute. Think about pointing out how great her sense of humor is or how smart she seems to be. It would be easy to overdo this but don't. One compliment will do. Keep it short and sweet. Just enough to let her know you find her attractive. This is your first interaction so it's completely acceptable if it only lasts a few minutes. Don't feel obligated to camp out for hours on end. Look for signs to see if she's interested. Things to look for include: smiling, touching her hair, making direct eye contact, asking follow-up questions or touching your arm. If she's not interested, she may have her arms crossed or be giving one word answers. Before leaving, ask if she might be interested in seeing you again. If you've been paying attention to her signals, you will know the answer to this question before even asking. Instead of getting her number, consider giving her yours.

SUMMARY:
Introduce yourself. Ask to join her. Strike up a conversation. Pay her a compliment. Don't overstay your welcome. Make plans to meet again.