Normal maps are like bump maps, except they work using more info. That's a really simplified explanation, but I think it's correct (?).
very simple stripped down explanation of it but it's correct
they are faster to evaluate than bump maps
that's a "Ch" pronounced as a "K"
Computer skills I should have:
Objective C, C#, Java, MEL. Python, C++, XML, JavaScript, XSLT, HTML, SQL, CSS, FXScript, Clips, SOAR, ActionScript, OpenGL, DirectX
Maya, XSI, Photoshop, AfterEffects, Motion, Illustrator, Flash, Swift3D