Yes, "n00b" is newbie. Sometimes "noob" if you're not into the mixed alpha-numeric thing.
Yes, I'm aware of how all-life consuming these interests can become, but thanks for the warning

I have plenty of other online "interests" that serve as constant distractions to mundane things like work and paying bills.
As for my history, I grew-up in Southern California and was about 10 when Richard Ramirez was on the loose and that always stuck with me. Now, in Northern California, as part of my daily commute, I drive by San Quentin twice a day, so always curious about the untold stories contained in those walls (including those of my 10 year old nightmare, RR). With 2 young children, I also find myself trying to dig deeper into Bay Area crime statistics and perhaps, due to my vintage tastes, always end up looking at the 70-80s.
At this point, I'm not interested in Z, specifically, but putting together an overall picture of the serials and unsolved homicides in Northern California during the 70-80s.
Indeed, Z is an extremely interesting case, with tons of clues and evidence to pour over for a lifetime.To that end, I've so far observed that the Zodiac researchers, such as yourselves, are much more scholarly, organized, thoughtful and objective than other similar groups I've interacted with. So I hope to learn from your rigor and perspective and gain some insight and information that I've been lacking in my own investigative pursuits.
Josh