ok, I want to become an ethical hacker but need a place to start. I have started on a few languages but haven't really commited to one completely yet. Which one is the best to learn that isn't too hard to figure out? I have heard a bunch of people saying i should get linux. is this true that it would help me that much? so my real question is, what language should I learn, where and what other tools do i need to get into ethical hacking and to find holes in systems. I'm not looking for certification but I want some descent experience in it for programming and a little bit of exploration. this topic has caught my attention for a while and my curiosity has finally aroused me. Everyone I have heard wants to hack but they don't want to commit to it. Well i do so what do I need to do? And exactly how limited is Python if i choose to learn it as a first and move to HTML or Java later on. I want to remote access, explore ports and do the like. I have a little experience in it. the nooby stuff like NETBIOS hacking but that isn't even close for ethical hacking. "umm..u have no holes because ur port 20 isn't open..." "u are supposed to be checking a program, sir not our security over the internet.." "oh...umm this is aukward." yes that is what it would be like. So again, where do i start?

Java?

Whilst the language isn't bad (coded it for 4 years as part of university course) I can't think of any security tools written in java.

Personally I'd suggest Python/Perl and C, and if you're going the linux route get comfortable with shell scripting.

We have a few Perl mongers around here as well as a C/C++ guru or two. The big thing here though, is not necessarily being able to program, but be able to follow source code for analysis. Good luck.