Where to Start: n00b 'pen-tester'? Part dos

        "Become very familiar with all of your basic linux commands, know how to navigate terminal,                       how to view different directories.  When you begin, it can seem daunting."
                                                     --n1tr0g3n...THS/forums.







>>>Read through the entire post before going through the links.<<<

Forget commands how do you:

-learn about dual booting OS's  (operating systems)      lifehacker: How to dual boot W$ 7 and Ubuntu?
-use Unetbootin and what is it                                       lifehacker: unetbootin how to


First you must begin to understand that you are going to have to start using a Linux distro (distribution..ie. Ubuntu, Linux Mint, being the ones that are user friendly).  Linux is a free OS and comes in too many flavors to name.  Distrowatch is a site to find what ever you are looking for.  Use the search function.  When you find the one you want download directly from the site to your box as an  .iso file.  This is the Ubuntu download section.  Use one that has LTS (long term support) after it.  Like 12.04 LTS.  Click the iso link and you should be able to take it from there.


Q.  Can I use M$ to further my pen-test knowledge?

No, not here.  This is Linux full time.  I will show you other options though.  First. Dual-booting operating systems.  What is it?  (refer to the above article)  Putting two OS's on the same computer/machine/box.  Meaning, being able to use either M$ or Linux on your laptop/desktop.  When your computer starts you will be asked to choose which OS to use, scroll to the one you want and push enter, and it boots. 

You will need a downloaded  Linux .iso saved on your machine and a copy of unetbootin.

-Install unetbootin and insert a thumb drive or sd card at least 2 GB in size into one of your ports on your machine.  Make sure that it is the only device in your usb ports and then open unetbootin.  Choose> Diskimage>browse to where you saved your .iso file and open it.  Click okay and let it do its thing.       

-It will finish loading Linux onto your portable device/usb and ask you to reboot. Click reboot.

-Before your machine boots into M$ or any OS it first boots through it BIOS screen.  It does it very quickly, be ready.  As it boots you need to push f2 over and over.  If it doesn't work google your brand of machines function key that lets you into the BIOS menu.  If  it does work you find your self in the BIOS menu, use the arrows keys to find the section called Boot and press enter.  Under that section look for boot priority.  Open it up with enter.  Move the choices with the + and - keys.  We are looking to move usb/rev.device to the top with + or -.  When done SAVE what you have done, my machine is f10 to save, then press enter.  The machine will restart again, but this time let it boot normally.  *Note:  The first time I did this to my box I was about to wig-out, thinking I was going to destroy something.  It can happen I am sure.  It has never happen to me.  If you chicken-shit out, but don't save anything nothing will happen.  Back to the story.  Because we have given priority on the machines boot/restart to the usb with Ubuntu on it it will boot Linux.  Ubuntu has a self explanatory menu just pick:  Try without install or Default.  Press enter.

You will be greeted into a desktop environment that has application choices on the left.  Welcome to Linux.  I remember when I did this the first time I thought I was well on my way.  How I was mistaken. 

mrwhte