If one is really serious about being a decent hacker, it is imperative that they create their own attack lab. Personally, I like to actually have several computers with different operating systems on them, all networked together to one central server. This feels better to me than VMware.  The question is usually asked concerning how one can set this up without spending a ton of money.  Just the operating systems alone can be costly if you are playing around with Server 2003, SQL,etc..   The answer is to get a Microsoft Action Pack subscription. For around $300 for the first year they will ship  you an amazing amount of software including Server 2003, XP pro, SQL server 2000, Small Business server 2003, etc...  I did this and have been very happy.

https://partner.microsoft.com/40009735

I am a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Program; the only part of it that is free. Someday I hope to "Grow" my business enough to qualify to move on to the next level.Until, then, I'll have to keep trying to move up. But it's un uphill battle, especially here in the depressed economy in Cleveland. Argh.