There are many different styles and paths to learning 'Computer Science'. But if what you are after is insight into how a computer works I found that I had my

There are many different styles and paths to learning 'Computer Science'. But if what you are after is insight into how a computer works I found that I had my 'ah-ha' moment while learning C, Assembly (intel), and writing a compiler. I did have to have a slight basis in computer architecture, but that compiler project I worked on made everything click. (side note on writing a compiler. Read, Decode, Execute. There are no short cuts around those series of steps). If you are looking for a book I would recommend the 'Dragon Book' http://www.amazon.com/Compilers-Principles-Techniques-Tools-2nd/dp/0321486811 http://www.amazon.com/Compilers-Principles-Techniques-Tools-... I found a paper copy of the international version for cheap (like $10 US if I remember) that was amazing.