I just took the exam a few weeks ago and it was not what I expected.

WCNA,
I have been doing a little bit of studying on SQL.  It was not as hard as I had originally thought.  I am now getting more interested in database structures.  HTML at its core has also proven to be fairly straight forward.   I have been meaning to learn some more PHP but as of yet have not had much use for it.  I am about to start learning some simple BASH scripting for the LINUX + cert which I plan on taking in about 3 weeks.  I will have to check out the videos that you are referring to.  I know nothing about Python but am eager to learn.

One of my biggest concerns is making sure that I understand the core concepts of programming.  It is my understanding that most programming languages are very similar if you do not take in to account syntax.  I want to build my knowledge from the ground up so to speak.  I am not a fan of "standing on the shoulders of giants".

Thanks chrisj.  Just ordered the book.  Not to proud to realize that you've got to start somewhere....even if its at a kids level.  Looking forward to reading it.  Hope it doesnt disappoint.  Also ordered "Introduction to 80x86 Assembly Language and Computer Architecture"  to help me with my quest to learn assembly.   

Thanks, very concise info.  I know some HTML and am starting to learn JavaScript.  I have an affinity to C just because it seems to be the birthplace of modern languages.  I suppose that I have my work cut out for me now.  I hadn't heard of the projectshellcode.com site.  Definitely looking forward to checking that out.  Python is a language that I have not yet researched but am looking forward to learning. 

So i have no real programming knowledge under my belt.  I understand the basic constructs but have not had any real experience writing code. I have played around with C and VisualBasic a little but am dead set on starting to learn a language and start using it.  What is the group consensus? 

• Should it be C, Perl, Ruby, VB or something else?
• What would you recommend and why?
• What exercises would you recommend in order to learn and fine tune programming ability?
• Are there any websites that you would recommend that offer good tutorials or challenges? (and yes I know how to use google)

Thanks for any suggestions..

Also, assembly language is of great interest to me but not sure where to start on that one.  Suggestions on that are appreciated as well.

Ashburn Va and 34.

So I must admit that I do not have a real background in IT.  Have always had an interest in cybersecurity but never really pursued it. Well that has changed recently. Within the last 4 months I got the CCENT, CCNA, Security + and CEHv7 certs.  I am on the path for CCNP Security and should have that within the next 5 months.  I am also planning on starting the cert path for the OSCP and hope to have that within the next 6 weeks.  Now, like I said, I have no real IT experience. I am a retail manager and bored out of my mind.  I have a business administration degree but just started going back to school for computer science.  With all of these things considered, how would you get yourself in to a pentesting firm?  Any help you guys/gals could provide would be great.
Thanks in advance.