In my case
I've start with this (in '78) logical diagram
then I discover this (in '90) basic spectrum
--This was the moment when I found out the relationship between me and a computer:
--- I am the master and he is the slave, a perfect slave.
--- When something goes wrong it is my fault not the slave.
and then I've grow to this (in '92) basic msx
At this point, in those times, if I could find an printer for my MSX, maybe I never buy a PC; the immense 16kb memory would have been enough for me.
The most valuable knowledge for me are logical schemes.
I know this answer is useless to MopInHand, but at least he sees that he is not alone.