Originally posted here by mlank81
I'm wondering though, if it would be a good idea to setup a Linux/Windows XP server up in my house and put it on my network so I could work with security programs. Also, what things would be good to use?
Absolutely. This will give you a way to learn how to secure systems and understand what vulnerabilities they have.

I would recommend putting up a small private network with couple computers. On one of them have your security tools on it and the other is your _target_. On the security PC (secPC) install either Windows or Linux. If Windows than use Windows 2000 Pro as XP doesnt run all the sec tools that well due to raw sockets issues. Install Ethereal on it and some sort of network port scanner like SuperScan or ScanLine and play around scanning your target system. Or Nmap in Linux.

There's tons of other free (and commercial) tools out there depending on what you are testing. Make a list of things you want to test and then research how and do it.

That's a starting point at least.

Originally posted here by mlank81
GO STEELERS! Come Feb 5th we will have that one for the thumb
Yeah baby! [Austin Powers voice]