Hmmmmmmm... how should I respond to that post?

1. I am the FBI, and I'm logging everything about you.
2. I already get more than my fair share of those types of PMs, so PM Chris.
3. Ooh... ummm... That's not me behind the curtain. It's the uhh... great and powerful Oz!!!! 

Better yet, I paste my standard response which is, "This is the "Ethical" Hacker Network, and you won't get that kind of help here." Or if it is a PM that is a legit question, I paste, "Start a new post. That way you get several opinions not just mine, plus others get to learn as well from the discussion."

Don

PS - On the other hand, I could have answered that Kev respects persistant people. Start sending him PMs every day, then twice a day, then 3 and so on and so on. He will eventually break down and teach you to hack. 

LOL, I guess I deserve that!  On second thought I like response number 2! 

Teach me how to hack... what kinda question is that? Hacking is 50% common sense, 20% knowledge, and 30% ingenuity. That's all I can say. Professional hacking, self taught or in a course takes years to properly learn.

Yes we should never forget the element of luck. When I find a vulnerable server or fuzz an app and find a possible exploit, I know I must have the same feeling  a prospector has when he finds gold! 

Hello Advnet, I'm Sure Everyone Would Agree BackTrack All The Way. You Dont Need A High End Top Of The Line Type Of Laptop If Your Going To Run A Linux Box.

I have been recommending Ubuntu for those new to linux. There is an amazing amount of support for the beginner and you will find most security tools compile with no or little problem.  As far as laptops go, the real key is have at least 1 gig of memory. I have had really good luck with my Acer aspire 5610, If you want to look cool at a hacker convention, then those really small ultra thins are the way to go, lol. But I hope "looking cool" at a hacker convention is not the goal, because IMHO its impossible. We are just different levels of computer nerds, but I digress. 

Hi.  Thanks.  I managed to get a copy of Debian, this was the closest distributor near me without having to download.  What do you think.  Also a year or 2 older laptop, would be something around a P3/P4 with 256mb ram, is this good enough.  Thanks.