The reversing polarity on tv made me think of this again so I will post my thoughts. To me it is
critically important that one understands the underlying theory of a concept. Whatever that concept may be ie: tcp/ip, routers, osi stack...
A lot of people will only learn the tool, and not how and or why the tool works. That my friends
is "the" difference between a script kiddie and a hacker. Not every hacker is a programmer, however every hacker wants to learn. A script kiddie just wants it to work.
Once you understand the theory it will all make sense. You will be able to puzzle it out as long
as you understand how it works.
This is by no means a slam of the originator of the tv reverse polarity thing. Just my thoughts
on a key concept of hacking.