Mitten, let me first thank you for your responce, as it was very kind and helpful


Find a friend who is willing to let you abuse them. I have one friend who is like that. He IMs me every now and again with some new device, toy, software setup and asks me to go to town on him, with no specific deadline (so I can do it right away, in a week or in a few days).
Hm, my friends tend to do their own security already. But I do get your point and will keep it in the back of my mind.

The reality is -- IMHO -- still that there are many that wouldn't be too thrilled if you entered their computer without permission (that violated feeling that we feel -- sorta like if a burglar went into the house, didn't take anything but just perused and then left).
Understandable, and I did not think about this, as my experience has always been positive.... but that doesn't mean it won't ever go wrong and get me busted. Even by me wanting to both learn and improve someone's network at the same time, even by wanting to do it out of the kindness of my heart.... I do understand now that people may find it intrusive and although helpful, simply wrong. Which you helped make a valid point. I can't exactally continue my goal of improving and securing the internet from behind bars, can I? Only thing I shall miss now is that bit of excitement knowing I have to be faster and better than the admin walling me....

BTW, have you looked into visiting your local thrift shop and getting an old Pentium box? You can build some good *nix abuse boxes with those (I have a FreeBSD IDS setup on mine right now and it cost me nothing to get the box or the software for that matter).
I have, but I was simply to lazy at the time to consider it, as my current funds are better spent paying rent. I will keep this in mind, and most likley save up a small amount for a Pent I perhaps.

Thank you again for pointing out a few things, as it proved to be enlightening and path changing!