Free resources to learn computer (electrical?) engineering?

Question

First, I just returned from DEFCON 18 and I am completely inspired to learn more about hardware. For example, how do I add LEDs to the badge? (http://www.grandideastudio.com/portfolio/defcon-18-badge/) How do I learn how to read the schematic and understand what I can do with it?

I checked out some computer engineering books on Amazon, but they are all really expensive. I also realize they may not even be what I want. What are some free resources to learn how to modify hardware?

Also, as a side note, I am fairly well versed in software. I have also built computers and played around a bit with hardware at a higher level, but I want to dive into a deeper understanding.

Thanks!

Answer 1

MIT has many of their classes free online. It's really an amazing resource (Physics with Prof. Walter Lewin is a work of art).

Answer 2

Well one start could be googling for sites by hobbyists who build projects based on their microcontroller of choice (butterfly, arduino, propeller, motorola, arm, etc...), if you want to learn how to modify hardware.

Answer 3

Electrical engineering (or engineering of any kind) is usually a four-year program at an accredited university in this country. You take a lot of fundamentals in math, physics, etc. to get that deeper understanding you crave.

It doesn't lend itself to a "Learn Electrical Engineering in 21 Days" approach.

You might mean "I'd like to learn more about electronics". I think that might be a shorter path.