Only Unix for hacker?

[fr33g]

Hey people,
I've listened very often, that you should have Unix on your system to become an hacker, windows or other stuff is nothing for that? Is that right or can I become a hacker with windows:-P?

Greeting freeG and thanks for the help.

[Assassian360]

Any operating system can be used. It more so depends on personal preference. So yes, Windows can be used.

[dellex]

"Hacker" is a very obscure term that everyone gives a different meaning. So, it depends on what a hacker is for you.

For me, one of hacker's features is that s/he's an open source/free software enthusiast... so linux is her/his OS of preference.

[neuromanta]

Well, if you want to be a windows hacker, then it would be really hard to be one if you used linux . But only if you want to be a windows hacker... your call.
add: if you decide to take this direction, be advised that most hackers won't accept you as a hacker... I think... I'm not a hacker, so I can't tell for sure

[tremor77]

Anyone who wants to be a 'hacker' is insta-fail: Refer to yourself as a Technology Security Analyst.

Anyone who wants to be a Technology Security Analyst who limits themselves to OS choice is insta-fail: Learn and be proficient in all of them.

In short, don't be short sighted and not want, but NEED to know how EVERYTHING works... and how it breaks. The more well rounded you are the better off you will be.

[Goatboy]

Anyone who wants to be a 'hacker' is insta-fail: Refer to yourself as a Technology Security Analyst.

Anyone who wants to be a Technology Security Analyst who limits themselves to OS choice is insta-fail: Learn and be proficient in all of them.

In short, don't be short sighted and not want, but NEED to know how EVERYTHING works... and how it breaks. The more well rounded you are the better off you will be.

This is why we wonder where you are when you leave.

[tremor77]

Anyone who wants to be a 'hacker' is insta-fail: Refer to yourself as a Technology Security Analyst.

Anyone who wants to be a Technology Security Analyst who limits themselves to OS choice is insta-fail: Learn and be proficient in all of them.

In short, don't be short sighted and not want, but NEED to know how EVERYTHING works... and how it breaks. The more well rounded you are the better off you will be.

This is why we wonder where you are when you leave.

I was being held in England on a trumped up sex charge while the US Government tried to DoS my website for leaking confidential government documents? Oh wait that was Julian Assange. For me.. something far more sinister... my septic backed up and flooded my basement office.

[insomaniacal]

It's mostly a matter of preference. People who tell you that you must use [Insert OS name here] in order to "hack" are full of it. Lots of hackers tend to favor Unix-likes over Windows, but as I said, it amounts to preference.

[Goatboy]

@tremor: Sounds like a pretty shitty day, huh? =D

@topic: I know plenty of Windows hackers. They know Linux just as well, but prefer Windows. I can see why though. Windows has the biggest market share. If you are going to attack something, it helps to be in the same environment. There are a lot of good tools for Windows that have not been ported to Linux (I'm looking at you, Cain).

[fashizzlepop]

And most of the app challenges here are Window$ only anyways.