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ghost's Avatar

ghost

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Greetings, I've used computers for quite some time, and have only recently begun delving farther into computers and networking/internet. I'm interested in learning about hacking, however my reasoning isn't to pursue illegal excursions.

I became more interested in computers (and whats behind/inside them) after reading about a few hacker war games (some such as root this box) and was immediately intrigued, I've often wondered what a rush it must be to engage in such competitions. I've spent a good amount of time reading and I'm amazed at the knowledge many people posses, and admittedly I feel like all my own "accomplishments" with computers are weak. How could I be using something day-to-day and know soo little about it?

In my own interest I would like to learn about hacking, which I think will aid in general and specific knowledge of OSes, Programs, and Networking. Since I have great respect for those who posses such knowledge , I ask "how do I go about learning to hack". I realize there are several fields within hacking in itself, and currently I have no specific direction in which I want to persue. (I'm not completely inept, I contain basic knowledge of a few languages : Java, HTML, PHP, MYSQL)

What languages should I be learning, I've read about alot of different ones incl. C++, Python, Perl, Java. I realize each has their own uses, but when is one language better to use than another? I thought I might want to start with Python, but I've been told by a friend that "Python is slow and useless in today's world." Is this true? Is it possible to write applications that access the internet ect. with Python?

I'm currently running XP, but I have a few different computers of which of some I will be installing a few flavors of Linux on), Is one ver. of linux better for what I'm interested in than another?

I know I have a long road ahead of me, and I certainly appreciate any guidance or help you can offer.

-Thanks-


ghost's Avatar

ghost

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Your friend is full of shit. Even NASA uses Python. Python is a great language to begin with and is powerful too. It'll meet all your needs. Now go explore http://www.python.org/


ghost's Avatar

ghost

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asking for advice on something is when you already know the answer but want someone to give you a reassurance.

only you will know what you want to do in time. when i first started all i did was the challenges and eventually figured out that i prefer to specialize in the web. you will learn things thorugh experiance, and (believe it or not) not asking questions to others but rather asking them to yourself.

thats my wisdom for the night.


fuser's Avatar

fuser

Member
0 -1

each languages have their own strengths and weaknesses. Python is easy and fast, but it's impractical for large programs. Perl is good too, esp. for network programming.

XP is adequate for hacking, as there are Windows versions of tools such as Metasploit and Cain and Abel. But I agree that you also install a version of Linux, since I use both XP and Linux. If you are unsure of installing, either use VMWare or dual-boot.

You have to remember that each Linux distro is different from one another. Use one that suits you best, and use it. (Ask which distro is favored in HBH, and everyone has a reason for backing it)

anonymous0x0001 wrote: Greetings,

I became more interested in computers (and whats behind/inside them) after reading about a few hacker war games (some such as root this box) and was immediately intrigued, I've often wondered what a rush it must be to engage in such competitions. I've spent a good amount of time reading and I'm amazed at the knowledge many people posses, and admittedly I feel like all my own "accomplishments" with computers are weak. How could I be using something day-to-day and know soo little about it?

Hey, don't feel so low. learning about computers take some time. Once your interest is piqued, you'll find that computers are very interesting. I became interested when i was 15, prior to that I only viewed computers as work and leisure machines.