Best Programming Languages to Start Learning & General Advice

[specterunseen]

I quickly realized that database administration would not be my forte. I like thinking out of the box, and puzzles. Database administration did not seem to offer that to me, so I am going to try to emphasize my degree towards security.

There seems to be a lot of information on the Internet, but I would like you are experienced perspective on some information on how to start studying and preparing while taking classes with Kaplan University online.
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1. What primary programming language, do I need to start with?

2. if I want to practice what I learned, how is a safe and ethical way to practice cracking into a computer causing no harm. By this I mean, do you try setting up a dummy computer, and then trying to bypass all the security programs? Would this let you test yourself against programs that you are familiar with? and would this even be helpful in gaining experience on how to defend yourself against it approaches?

3. Any links or general information on starting this route would be greatly appreciated. I understand that some say it is necessary to start off as a network administrator, before you can move into security as a specialty.

4. Lastly, I am a musician and a creative type. However, I don't think that website design would pay enough, or long term be as interesting. The database side seemed a little droll to me, do you think the security side constantly challenges you and makes you think in creative ways? I want to know if this would be a field that would align myself with my personality. Namely, I am the type that in college algebra worked my problems backwards and forwards without the solution guide, just to prove that I knew exactly how it worked and knew in the back of my head.
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Thank you, each for your time, and I look forward to learning more from you. I am very new to this, and quite the newbie.

Sincerely,
Wannabee