In survival do we need computer related skills?

I make a good bit of my living with a computer and I know very little about them. My music production computers are never allowed on-line for any reason. I use thumb-drives or wifi to move data to another machine that is connected if I need to send or share files. Also, there are some of us that have login to a certain email account where messages are written and saved as drafts and never sent. This allows any of the logged-in to access the draft file, read the message and respond in kind while never sending anything over the net.

 

I'm good to go, I have a laptop that runs on batteries....

Rancher

 

My take is that hacking would not be a high-demand skill...but being able to assemble, program and interface them could work as a force multiplier. I regard power in the same light - a real game changer if you have access to be able to power pumps, refrigeration, security systems, lighting, communication, etc.
But as far as the OP's scenario - if in an urban environment, my primary concern would be getting home

 

Those well versed in electronics will be of significant value . Security systems will be of significant value.

 

Being able to repair, maintain and use personal computers will still be a useful, tradable skill....even without the internet and grid power, keeping old clunker laptops running off solar power will be a boon to those who still have them. However, it is a skill that shouldn't be invested in to the exclusion or detriment of other valuable self sufficiency skills.

 

Quite an interesting thread, I must say.
Juz stumbled upon the list of other few list of high-security locks (link removed)
What you guys have to say on this ?

 

I swear by this lock



It's guaranteed to deter block heads....the padlock is purely for psychological reassurance. Unfortunately it's not fireproof.

@lensikoritic You may wish to introduce yourself in the new member introductions thread....New Member Introductions Tell us a little about yourself, and your interests.

 

Having a printer and the ability to process pictures will continue to be valuable , probably more so if your wanting to sell something or create notices for public display (for sale/trade ect..)
Recording events as you see them for the record, so to speak.
Sport cameras will be infinitely valuable as well as security cams.

 

I see less value in hacking during collapse than I see in recovery.

As critical infrastructures or facilities are prepared to be brought back up there may not be anyone around with a password available. Hacking through or around these obstacles could be required to get the equipment operating system online.

Examples could be opening the sluice gates on an overwhelmed dam, getting an HVAC/Reefer system up in a warehouse for preservation of food/medicine, or starting a field of wind turbines flying again to a limited grid.

 

HaaH BTPost has a bigger button and knows how to use it.

 

No matter how big the button is , if the micro switching behind it doesn't work, it's all for show.

 

The only point I would have on this issue is I keep a couple reams of paper around to print anything that is down loaded to the computer that will need to be printed at the outset for later use. I have a tendancy to copy or download data that does not always end up in a binder.

 

Unless you live in Hollywood I don't see the need to be a hacker. However post SHTF in order to get equipment back up a high probability. Most mechanical devises have a manual override built in.

 

Unfortunately in my experience, almost every complex industrial processes have programmed loops and variable speed drives guiding equipment operations based on sensors spread throughout the process.

Industrial equipment doesn’t just run full speed or off in stand alone or complex systems very often outside of fart fans, sump pumps, and other simple tasks.

 

When a system is designed for and around automation manual override is barely good for clearing the line.

 

Oh Crap! Than Skynet is already here!

 

Im new to this forum but, like this topic.
For one, hacking isnt very clearly defined. By hacking do you mean program busting or do you mean changing a piece of tech to do something more than it was designed to?
I think the later is a great skill to have when you consider what can be done with a flash programmed micro controller. Arduino, for example is a great piece of tech. I personally have used a $15 dollar Uno to build a DC motor drive to run an electric converted bike. LED lighting projects also work well with these as do timing functions for say....... a hydroponics or aquaponics system. Once you understand what these things do you only have to use your head.
I read one reply saying most computers would be down. I disagree. The internet would likely go down but, I think that doesnt ruin the usefulness of it entirely.