Where do I go?

[SirKamyk]

Okay, so for the past two years basically I've involved myself with learning to program using different programming languages, I took Computer Science in school which is teaching me Java, and I learnt Python as well as the basics of C and JavaScript and HTML. I wouldn't say I'm pro in any of these by any stretch, I understand rather the principles of programming and can make programs which do arithmetic, have menus and such, but even to that extent nothing incorporating proper user interfaces or graphics.

Now with this experience, I find myself no closer to actually hacking anything. I know programming, so what? I have no clue how computer security works, never mind trying to exploit it! I have completed most of the Basic tasks, that's true, but I don't see how opening the source code of a page up and looking up the password has anything to do with real website hacking. This has really been irritating me, so I apologise if I come over as wanting to criticise the challenges - that's not my aim.

I guess my request to you guys would be to point me in the right direction, what to learn, how to learn it. Any links to useful documents would be massively appreciated.

[-Ninjex-]

I have completed most of the Basic tasks, that's true, but I don't see how opening the source code of a page up and looking up the password has anything to do with real website hacking.

Eh, I believe that is what the "Realistic" missions are designed for.

Try moving onto the harder missions if you find it to not be a challenge...
The forums have topics that can be very helpful in solving the missions, if you become stuck.

Best of luck,
- -Ninjex-

[mShred]

Those basic missions aren't designed to teach you hacking. They're designed to make you think. Knowing what the source code is good for someone who doesn't know anything about HTML at all. Like Ninjex said, the realistic missions will bring more real, accurate (yet outdated) hacking.