Here’s a nickel kid. Get yourself a better computer.
If you want to be a sysadmin learn Linux/Unix. Basic bash scripting might be useful down the line to help understand a bit of what’s going on under the hood.
IMHO networking would probably be a better secondary place to focus for a sysadmin track rather than OOP concepts, algorithms etc.
It is. Located in the north central-ish of the state.
I can’t compare to EASA but it’s not too bad.
There is one written exam for each certificate (PPL, Instrument, Commercial etc). These are largely memorization exercises and I used to recommend people get them out or the way ASAP during their training so they could focus on the practical exams.
Practical exams are two parts; oral and flight.
The oral exam typically lasts about an hour. I wouldn’t say you’re quizzed but the evaluator is trying to make sure you have a real understanding (not just rote) of your plane, the NAS and above all can make good, safe, decisions. The flying portion is also about an hour and covers all the required maneuvers from ACS/PTS.
It’s a reference from an old comic
https://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/images/steverumsby/2004/09/20/1b2.JPG
As for Linux stuff grab something small and low powered (raspberry pi etc) and start installing some distros! The possibilities are really endless. Setup a network wide ad blocker, start your own IPTV server, you can setup a networked radio receiver, WireGuard for VPNs. Immerse yourself and figure out what you find interesting.