How to Avoid Becoming a Script Kiddie

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A script kiddie is someone who knows basic information about the operation of computer systems, but lacks the knowledge or desire to discover and exploit/patch security holes without the use of tools written by better hackers. Script kiddies usually just use tools that abstract the underlying concepts of computer security.

Script kiddies are widely considered to be immature, and are definitely not hackers. Being a script kiddie will not gain any recognition in the hacker community.

Steps

1. 1
   Learn a programming language in-depth. Hackers commonly prefer C or C++, though the language is up to you. Try to avoid languages with bad reputations like Visual Basic. Batch or VBScript do not count as programming languages, as they are not used to generate programs, they are used to script already created programs, despite the illusion of a program being created.

   
   
2. 2
   Understand the underlying concepts of how operating systems function (i.e the Kernel), you will require an in-depth understanding of how both the windows and Linux operating systems work.
3. 3
   Don't threaten to hack people that anger you. It makes you seem petty and immature. Go for logical debates instead of just attempting to destroy someone. Even if you don't 'win' the argument, you will come out without looking immature.
4. 4
   Don't self-promote. This goes for any kind of hobby or job. Even if you're good at what you do, don't constantly tell everyone how skilled you are at programming in Assembly language, or your grasp of how a buffer overflow is achieved.
5. 5
   Don't fall into the lure of the black-hat hacking community, also known as "malicious hackers". They hack primarily for their own selfish gain, to inflict pain into people's lives, and for self-entertainment. Not only is it illegal to hack people's computers, but if you are caught you could do some jail time and you will find it next to impossible to attain a job with any kind of contact with computers. Companies do not want someone who has a history of hacking with malicious intent (think about it, why would a computer company employ a hacker who may hack them?). Use your skills to help people, there are so many really awesome jobs for ethical hackers.
6. 6
   Resist the urge to use use tools without understanding the concepts. Hacking tools can be great help in the process, but most tools are investigated by the companies they exploit, and therefore they don't usually work for long. If you understand the underlying concepts of programs and the operating system. With this knowledge, you can create your own exploits.
7. 7
   Widen your interests, and keep an active social life. This isn't really related to script kiddies, but hackers in general often become so absorbed with their various projects on the computers, that they ignore their friends, or simply not make friends.

   
   

Tips

• Many hackers favor the GPL software license when they release programs on the net. Its best to familiarize your self with this license.

Warnings

• Despite the advantages of UNIX-based operating systems (Mac OS X, Linux etc.), don't constantly shout praise for them and put down Windows (it's immature and shallow). Be reasonable in your arguments and remember - knowing your way around all major operating systems is key to becoming a real hacker.

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