Hi, this may be an introductory post... But hey, what's wrong with that? :P
Since 11th grade I've been 'studying' Windows. I got into a Network Administration program, earned my MCP and MCDST, graduated with an advanced Tech diploma.. And promptly got sucked into learning everything about Windows. I can tell you how to configure Group Policy, Active Directory, anything from creating batch files to installing programs silently over a network... However, I feel like I've maxed out.
I tend to be an information sponge, I can't get enough. If I'm playing a certain game, I read and can instantly memorize things. I always had mediocre grades in school, not because I didn't know the material, to the contrary, I never did my homework... Anywho, I digress.
I've finally moved on from Windows, and I'd like to learn everything about other OSes. With Windows being closed source, I never really understood what a kernel was, save for that it was a core part of the OS.
One of the things I'd like to learn is how to compile a kernel from scratch.
I want to make and compile my own program.
I want to learn what an open source community is like.
I want to help design something, and be able to say "I made that integral part of this project"...
I dunno, that may be lost on certain people, but I am generally a helpful type. I tend to be the regional tech support, with everyone and their mother calling me for help; TeamViewer ftw.The whole hacker mantra has been similar to what I live by every day.. If it's not broke, fix it ;) I case mod, I vold mod, I've done registry editing, I've done RockBox installs on iPods, I even put Linux on my Creative Zen, before it broke... But honestly, I never really got into the culture as much as I wanted to. I like making something out of nothing, or improving something that is seriously flawed.
Over the past month, I enlisted in the Air Force. I am going in as an E-3 (after basic) into Cyber Surety (aka Network Security), and I really want to know my job BEFORE I go to the tech school. I found hak5 just messing around the net, watched a few episodes and was totally hooked. You guys are the pros. I want to learn from you.
Anyway, what I'd really like to know is, does anyone have a tried-and-true website where I can branch out? I know there are a lot of experienced users here, but there aren't many tutorials to mess around with. I've learned the basics, apt-get install, chmod, how to secure a system with a good, long, complex password, video and audio codec installs, and I spent a fair amount of time trying to get my laptop to work with a MSCHAP PEAP network... However, nothing like compiling and installing a program, or upgrading a kernel :D
Is IRC something I should join, just to get to know the community? I've used IRC before, and it's always been more of an invite-only group to join. Don't know if it's like that here though.
I know this was long, but I appreciate anyone who reads this and gives me advice. You guys seem like a community to stay with.
-x290