It was just released a couple of days ago, so there probably isn't anyone who can provide a comprehensive review at this point (the second half of the course was just released this morning). However, Vivek does consistently put out high-quality material, and several people here, including myself, have signed up for this. The syllabus definitely covers practical, real-world Python usage, so you will likely find it beneficial.

There's another thread with some more details here: http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,8695

I signed up for the course.  The cert is a nice bonus, but yeah the skills/knowledge is my aim.

I remember this course has been launched atleast couple of months back.....Good one to learn for sure as it is from security tube...

Has anyone taken the course? If so, can you please provide some sort of "small" review. I'm very interested in purchasing the course (not really for the certification but the 9 hours of video).

Could you please explain why you believe it's better to learn Perl over Python? I'd be interested to know. From what I've read on the forums the general consensus would suggest that Python would be the better choice.

I'll counter that, much prefer python, and from my experience I'd definitely question the thinking behind Perl being easier for a beginner.

My reasoning is largely non-technical; I find some of Perl's idiosyncrasies a nightmare to get my head around, especially if I've not coded for a while and need to knock a quick script up. In comparison as Python's syntax and formatting focuses on whitespace, most Python code looks and feels similar when trying to come back and update something later.

I'm not a developer by any stretch of the imagination, but I can generally write code (badly) in any language. I'd suggest just picking a language that feels comfortable and starting there, if you need to change to a different language a lot of what you learn will be transferable (I started with VB and PHP, yuck).

For a beginner I've been suggesting python purely based on the additional support and guidance available through the securitytube resources.

I programmed Perl back in my 'school days', and now MUCH prefer python.  The language, as a whole, is simpler to follow and understand, and there are plenty of resources available.

See if you can find (or buy) a copy of the following:

http://www.manning.com/sande/   (Hello World, by Sande)

While it's written for teaching kids, it takes concepts like basic game creation, and teaches around them, so you don't get uber bored.  I know plenty of folks, whom I've recommended it to, who have used it for a fast, 'up-to-speed' reference, and it'll get you started, quickly.  I have a copy, somewhere (just moved, and not unpacked, yet), that I occasionally peek into, if I need a quick, basic reminder.