First of all, welcome to the boards!  This is definitely the place to be to learn.

Have you seen this thread?
http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2262.0/

I've found reading the Hacking Exposed book was a good start to building interest.  Find something that makes you excited and then investigate.  Post questions here if you get stuck.  You will find we are willing to help.

As for tools, get a copy of BackTrack which will have all the tools you need.  All you need left to do is learn how to use the tools, which there are videos out there.

Welcome!

Firstly, read the link yatz posted.

Everyone has their favorite book. For me it's Counter Hack Reloaded. Others might advice you to read Hacking for dummies (It's actually good). Whatever book you choose make sure to practice the stuff in your lab. Read my response in this thread where I discuss how to make a lab http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,5500.msg28779/#msg28779

Reading books will only give you theoretical knowledge. Practice will make your concepts clear.

Don't bother with tools at this stage. If you don't understand what they do you probably don't need them. Focus on learning the concepts and you'll find the tool yourself.

When I started getting interested in hacking, I already had experience with many programming languages, so a lot of times when someone says they are computer savvy, I tend to overlook needing programming.

Still, the part that got me interested is reading Hacking Exposed and then watching some the webcasts by Ed Skoudis.  Once I saw it in action I went straight for BackTrack.

I guess I would maintain that seeing the tools in use, get a few remote shells, then if it interests you see how the tools work (many are open source).

You DO though need to have a GOOD knowledge of command line.  Get used to using Linux and you will definitely be a step ahead.

If you can come up with $599, try taking the course at eLearnSecurity. http://www.elearnsecurity.com You can get a %5 discount from this site! It has very good tutorials and discusses many "tools" that help with penetration testing. You can read a review here by the famous Jason lol.

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/307/24/