Do they eat newbies?

[abandonedbywolves]

If a hypothetical person knew bugger all about computers, but was made curious by the way half of Dreamwidth seems to be involved in the programming side, where would you suggest that person begin?

I've Googled and found lots of resources, but because I know nothing I have no way to tell if they're good resources, so I'm looking for advice from actual people.

All suggestions welcome - online, books, or "Don't bother, go away and come back when you've learned [other language]".