Ok. thanks for the help guys.

I am more interested in Network Security.  Should I still start with learning python? Or is there a different approach I should take.

Thanks. Alot of people are saying you NEED to know this, this this this this, and this.  Its all a bit overwhelming.  I'm just going to take it one step at a time. Starting with Python.

To be completely honest, at this moment I don't know exactly what I want to do.  Everyone says that basic programming skills are a must so I'm deciding were to start.  I think I'm leaning towards learning Python at the moment.

Ok, thanks for all the info.  I do own Hacking for dummies, and Ive read that through a couple times.  I'm planning on getting Mitnicks book next, and also hacking exposed.  Then off to Ubuntu I go.

ok sounds good.  I'm going to put a ubuntu partition on my hard drive.  Any tutorials or anything you guys know off to help with C ?  or is it just better to take a formal class

Ok, so i've browsed around the site. Most (of not all) say that Linux/programming background is a must.  What language should I use?  What linux distro?  Is python any good? I heard that was pretty easy to pick up   

Thanks I appreciate it.

Hello all. Maybe I'm over my head in this, but I want to learn the ins and outs of hacking.  I'm very computer savy, and just need a push in the right direction so to speak.  Does anyone have a list of 'must have programs' or tutorials handy?