Learn how to resolve windows problems myself

Hello experts
I am tired of feeling stupid when it comes to operating system issues. I have a computer science background, I can write code, but I realize I know very little about how windows operate. I would like to learn how to address windows problems myself and eventually become an active contributor to this forum.

I would also like to learn how to understand and interpret the logs of advanced virus and malware inspection tools such as highjackthis, ComboFix or MGTools.

Where would I start? Are there online tutorials? Books?
Chaslang, what's the route to windows mastery?

I thought I'd get myself a copy of Mark Russinovich books, including: "Windows Sysinternals Administrator's Reference"
Other suggestions? How did you learn other than the hard way ie fixing things and taking/keeping notes?

 

If you are serious then this is worth a read.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=182555

 

these are great pointers THANK YOU!
Yes I am serious.
I was wondering how would I go about choosing one learning venue over another, however your pointers are already a great start

 

3 books I recommend, especially the XP 2nd Edition, and Windows 7 versions (I haven't used the Vista one that much

The XP has an Appendix, with over 700 Alphabetical listings of All Windows XP Settings,(and spells out the menu paths, to do them) is the best.
Probably worth buying it for this alone, even if you have Vista or W7, IMO.

All by David A, Karp, published by O'Reilly:
• Windows XP Annoyances for Geeks (Don'r worry about "for geeks", it is easy to read, and do) 2nd Edition
• Vista Annoyances (they dropped "for geeks"
• Windows 7 Annoyances (they dropped "for geeks"

Each is over 600 pages.
Search on "Windows Annoyances" by David A Karp
or visit http://www.oreilly.com

I found the XP book in a local OZ bookshop, and ordered the latter 2 from Amazon (US).

Bazza

 

The Vista title should be: :-o
• Windows Vista Annoyances

Bazza