How will what I am learning here apply to my world?

From what I've learned thus far and from what I have gleaned from the Syllabus for this course, I believe that this course will give me a better understanding of computers in general and will, more importantly, make me a better consumer and user of computers. Based on the research, reading and lecture I already feel that I have learned quite a bit about my own computer (mostly how absolutely outdated it is!).
Unfortunately, I will have to say (as is becoming the norm in my posts for this course of study) that most of what I have learned and, most likely, still have to learn within this curriculum will not translate to many actual benefits in my current military profession as I am afforded zero control over technology, software or infrastructure in the world of computing.
In my home computing, I could see a great benefit that will be derived from this particular course. When I am again in the market for a new computer I will be better prepared to compare/contrast and evaluate the ability to upgrade in the future. My research into sound cards also showed me how far in the past I am currently running! I'd love to throw some of the newer technology into this box and see how it goes. However, I see no reason to make little upgrades at this time when I can't make the thing any faster at the same time (I don't want to gain speed at the expense of my XP operating system).