Maybe some of you will remember,

"A long time ago in a distant universe, you had just set out on your path of computer knowledge. You had no certifications to your name and only a few months of wrt open source and exploit toying under your belt. Pretty much your only positive was that you had a passion for learning."
 Well, thats me.

  I'm on fire for this stuff, and acquiring knowledge has become more fun than gaming for me. I discovered this site while following links from open-source guides to hacking communities, and while the courses listed here are certainly attractive (more so due to the expired giveaway that initially lured me here) I have a serious objections to waisting anyone's time and I question whether I'm even qualified to take the courses offered here.

  Now that you know my story, I'll begin by apologizing for the long intro (my objection to time-waisting was sincere), before requesting any suggestions for books, classes, movies, guides or websites that apply to offensive security and ethical hacking.
Just to note, I don't have a lack of reading material (the internet is wonderful) however I do recognize the value of a good source.

So to reiterate:
Anything you guys can remember that really helped when you were just starting out or that sparked your interest.

Sincerely, 4 n00b.

ps. my intentions are ethical and hopefully *distant, distant future* job related.

Verojja

I'm just starting out, but here's how I'm doing it.

I'm looking at getting Hackers For Dummies http://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Dummies-Computer-Tech/dp/047005235X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1249671149&sr=8-1

Then I'm going to build a virtual server based lab to start, modifying for my choice of VM software based on this post.
http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,4394.0/

I'm also thinking about these books too:
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses (2nd Edition)

The book that got me thinking about getting serious again in the Security part of my job:
Cuckoo's Egg by Cliff Stoll (Author's experience tracking down a cracker)

Welcome to EH-Net, Verojja. When you have already enough study material I would just begin with that what interests you most. Depending on your available equipment I would recommend to build a home lab which helps you to get some experience and practice with tools needed in itsec. I guess for beginning this is already enough and should keep you busy for quite a while. You may search the forums for some more recommendations already given.

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask, most people here are eager to help.