Backtrack Beginner's Guide - Getting Started

Recently, one of my teenagers expressed an interest in "hacking". Having worked in a technological field for many years, I'm quite aware of the damages a true hacker can create. Needless to say, my son's interest sparked quite an interesting conversation. This discussion eventually led to the needs for ethical hacking as well as penetration testing (or pen testing) for the purpose of maintaining a network's security. Being interested (albeit ignorant) in this myself, we decided to tackle the learning process together - this to ensure no laws were broken, and ethics were maintained.

Along the way we stumbled across a wonderful operating system by the name of Backtrack. This is a Linux based OS designed specifically for pen testing. Great! Also, one of the options for use is to copy the OS to a DVD (or USB drive), and run it as the computer boots up - no need to replace your copy of Windows or use up additional disk space. Even better! This is exactly what we wanted, so we got our copy and started off on our endeavor. Being new, to not only Backtrack but Linux as well, we've hit a few bumps along the way. All of our bumps have been fixable so far, but it's been very time consuming trying to find the best and quickest resolution.

I've always been a user of Windows as an OS, and consider myself quite knowledgeable. However, Linux is not an OS that I'm familiar with. It's been quite a learning experience. One thing I've noticed is that, while there are several tutorials for the Backtrack beginner, most of the tutorials are directed towards experienced Linux users. My goal here is to condense the lessons I've learned, over many-many websites and forums, into a format for the true beginner - such as myself!

1. A copy of Backtrack.
2. Ibuprofen! (Only kidding....)

A copy of Backtrack (or BT for short) can be downloaded from the official site using the link below. I chose to download Backtrack 5R1 Gnome (32 bit version), and will be using this "flavor" of BT for future write-ups and tutorials.

Here are the reasons for my choice: Upon researching a bit, my understanding is that the Gnome version, as opposed to the KDE version also offered, has more of a "Windows-like" feel to it. My current laptop supports a 64 bit OS, but I've chosen the 32 bit version of BT so that I can use it on older equipment if need be (I'm putting together a "lab" of older computers and modems to experiment on).

Please use this info only to test your own equipment. This is about ethical hacking and to help you improve your own network's (and networked equipment's) security by allowing you to find your own vulnerabilities (hopefully before someone else does).

Download your version of Backtrack 5. You have the option of downloading from a direct source, or to use a torrent file. If you are unfamiliar with a torrent file, then opt for the direct source. It is the same file - the only difference will be in the way it is obtained by your computer.

The next write-up covers the install options, process of installing, and starting your copy - newbie-style! - Installing Backtrack

The Network Penetration Test Process

Protecting Your Home Wireless Network