C++ Language --- I need to learn more on that

I am re-writing my simulation code recently, for the research I worked on last year. The code is written in C++ and I am trying to apply what I learn in the company and Design Patterns to make it more efficient, maintainable and secure.

During this process, I further discovered many interesting aspects of C++. For example, to prevent memory leak due to the use of pointers, C++ provide auto_ptr, which is a simple kind of smart pointers. It could be very useful and I will read further into this.

In addition, I found various good reference websites for C++, they are:

Guru of the Week: http://www.gotw.ca/
Dr. Dobb's Portal: http://www.ddj.com/
C++ Guides @ InfomIT: http://www.informit.com/guides/guide.asp?g=cplusplus&rl=1
Boost C++ Libraries: http://www.boost.org/

Though I am more interested in academia and won't pursue a career as a software developer, it is important to write good programs, as it is an important tool for research. When I was re-writing my program, I discovered that something I was proud of last year actually is crappy somewhere and had quite a few defects. I wish I could have less this kind of feelings next year when I looked back to the code I wrote.

p.s. Today I talked to Cathy's friend Xiaoxiao, who is studying law at Stanford. And recently I have also been monitoring the Quantitative Finanaical Board on mitbbs.com and get to know the life about a Quant. I may make a partial and bias summary about these two fields later, as these are also possible careers for engineering students.