Originally posted here by soma56
ss2chef - Your 'curious'? Allow me to explain. If I practice hacking into my own network I will already know what kind of computer it is. I will know the OS. I will know how fast it is. I will know what programs are running on it. I will know how to get in quite easily (Perhaps I should have explained this earlier however I just assumed you would know where I was coming from).

Hacking external networks through legitimate means, even if its a friends system across town, will allow me to strengthen my skills and better understand the field I am pursuing. A good defense is a great offense. Do you understand my philosphy now?

Hacking your own network (the one you created) to teach yourself,isn't that much different from asking yourself where fridge might be in your own home (you already know).
You don't research and study by only hunting and pecking for the unknown.
Perhaps you enjoy the wild goose chase..?
I know many researchers in many fields of study.
Not may go freeloading around other labs hoping to stumble on something new or different.
Control is important to experimentation.

The thing is, if you know what you have in your own fridge, you will be in a much better position
to identify what is in anothers...To use your "analogy".

If you really know your stuff, the chance of running into the unknown is far less..IMO