How to Become a Teen Hacker

What exactly is a "real" hacker, and how do I become one? Read on.

EditSteps

1. 1
   Be a teen. That is the essential part of being a "Teen Hacker."
   
   
   
2. 2
   Learn the different types of hackers.
   
   
   
   • Type A (rookie hacker): This type of hacker is interested in new technology and hacks that others are preforming. What distinguishes these hackers from others is that they simply don't have the amount of computer expertise to preform many/any hacks. Every hacker starts out as a Type A.
   • Type B (beginner): Has the know-how to solve basic/intermediate computer problems and write basic programs. If you are a Type B hacker, you will make numerous mistakes, some minor, some fatal.
   • Type C (intermediate hacker): Comfortable fiddling with hardware and software alike. Likes to build computers, root cell phones and tablets, and test all electronic devices to their limits. Most Type C, D, and E hackers have their own websites and networks.
   • Type D (expert hacker): King of all other hackers. Can hack almost any piece of software or hardware in almost every way imaginable. Becoming a Type D hacker takes a lot of practice and dedication.
   • Type E (Business hacker): Turns computer knowledge into cash. Type E hackers can do things for money such as rooting devices, selling custom operating systems and programs, and fixing computer problems. These people are most often also Type C or D hackers.
   • Type F (illegal hacker): Called "crackers" by some, you do not want to be one of these.
3. 3
   Define "real." In the context of computers, real can be defined as someone who makes computers do things they do not currently do, or perfects things they do poorly.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Limit your scope. Will you work primarily with Hardware or Software? Do not decide "both" because you will work with both no matter what. The decision determines where to start to focus.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Learn how to use a computer. Learn every function, every component. This will teach you the arena in which you will work, and focus your attention.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Read everything you can find. Learn what has been done, and how. This will teach you what can be done, and refine your focus. You might even find something that interests you.
   
   
   
   • Duplicating what has been done before is a good first step in experimenting.
7. 7
   Begin to experiment with hardware and software to learn how to control a computer into directions you've never read about one going.
   
   
   
8. 8
   Learn a high-level language of your choice. A high level language is a programming language that is high above the level of machine language (1s and 0s), and tend to use many more English words that we can comprehend. Programs are then converted by a compiler to machine code or a language that the computer can understand and work with. Some suggested languages to learn are C or C++, Java, or BASIC. Also, assembly for the x86 platform, and a scripting language such as Perl. Learning to script in Batch is very useful, as Batch language is very simple and gives you much control over Windows computers.
   
   
   

EditTips

• Focus your attention. Try. If you stop having fun, you might not be cut out to be a hacker.
• Finding a helpful community can help you get started.
• Portable HDDs and mountains upon mountains of useful portable software are also your best friend.
• Macintosh isn't ideal for hacking or computer tricks since it can't run .exe format files.
• Listen to others. Have friends. Have fun. Girls and boys can both be geeks.
• Google, Linux, Firefox, Wikipedia, and wikiHow are perfect.
• Learn everything. Try. You never will, but you should try.
• Question everything, especially what you know to be true.
• Do not break the law. You will eventually be arrested.
• Do not do it for money. Greed stifles to create profit. Computer fraud gets you in jail!

Show 3 more tips

EditWarnings

• You might hack and crack someone else's computer. Watch out.
• You can crack/ hack hotmail passwords (MSN). It has been done but it is about the most difficult thing to do. Think about it. You're probably hacking into a system of the same people that made the system you are working on (but with Hotmail, they have a known security vulnerability.)

EditThings You'll Need

• Brain (your own, open, learning, focused)
• Computers (plural. These things break)
• Creativity (won't happen without it)
• Time (you weren't in a hurry, I hope?)
• Forums (hey, everyone gets stuck)