Is defcon for me?

[dark2k1]

The first thing to do is not define DC by any one sub-group. While at one point it may have been more homogenous, it's not any more. As much as the group as a whole tries to disclaim it, it's grown up. What you'll find runs the gamut. Skript kiddies trying to make a name, old skool hackers enjoying the comraderie, security proffesionals from the top companies in the nation, agents from most tla's, local cops from across the world, scene whores looking for their minute of fame...... and many of the attendees fit in multiples of the previously mentioned groups. What you'll find is what you look for. The media come there and look for the outrageous and they find it. Last year Phil Zimmerman gave a good session - at the same time the "hacker pron" girls were roaming the vendor area - which did the media cover?

Do you know if there will be a lot of young people there that I can chill with(not script kiddies). I'm still a minor and I don't want anyone making assumptions that I'm some newb, script kiddie, etc...

[mmca]

Do you know if there will be a lot of young people there that I can chill with(not script kiddies). I'm still a minor and I don't want anyone making assumptions that I'm some newb, script kiddie, etc...

First, nothing wrong with being new... new is good, you don't have to unlearn as much stuff. As for people to hang out with, its a pretty tolerant group as long as you aren't an asshat. Minors.. yes lots of those, I've now taken to checking girl's ID so at least I have some sort of excuse in front of the judge.

"Your honor I checked her ID and I just thought she looked really good for 56."

Oh and we will assume what we want to assume damnit! :)

[Code]

I'm going, even though I was at first worried due to my age- I'm only 15. Of course, then I gathered a group of friends (mostly 16/17 year olds) and my friends from #ca2600... I'm good to go now :)


- CD

[TheCotMan]

I'm going, even though I was at first worried due to my age- I'm only 15. Of course, then I gathered a group of friends (mostly 16/17 year olds) and my friends from #ca2600... I'm good to go now :)

Being young is not a crime, but being inexperienced with dealing with people can be a disadvantage.

Best advice I can give:

Don't let a loud-mouth in your group speak for your group as a whole; you may get a false impression of security when you have numbers as a "gang-mentality" sets in.

Respect and common sense will help to smooth your time at DC and make it possible for you to have a good time.

[kiji]

Ys I got to so I am new but I have known about Defcon for awhile know and I am intrested in learning/meeting new people and things that well help me become better in what I do; mostly program in assembly lang. and study new thing but the only problem is I cant keep up with where yall mostly hold the conf. if it is I beleive still in Nevada? Because of normal things if u wont to call it that(job and P.O and everything else that falls in there), its been awhile sence I have been to one so sorrie if this sounds stupid....

[TheCotMan]

Ys I got to so I am new but I have known about Defcon for awhile know and I am intrested in learning/meeting new people and things that well help me become better in what I do; mostly program in assembly lang. and study new thing but the only problem is I cant keep up with where yall mostly hold the conf. if it is I beleive still in Nevada? Because of normal things if u wont to call it that(job and P.O and everything else that falls in there), its been awhile sence I have been to one so sorrie if this sounds stupid....

In all seriousness, I ask you this question:

Is English your first language?

I'm not sure I understand what you are writing, but let me try to translate under the assumption that English is not your first language: (This is your only freebie from me.)

Even though I am new to this scene, I have known about DefCon for a while now. I am interested in meeting new people and learning things that will help me become better at what I do. Such things include, but are not limited to, programming languages like assembly. However, I am not sure I will be able to to (attend? keep up with you at?) the conference. Since the conference takes place in Nevada, which is so far away from me, and I have a job as well as (personal responsibilities?), I probably won't be able to attend this year. It has been a while since I have been to (DefCon? a Conference?) so I am sorry if this sounds stupid.

[kiji]

I am part french so my english is kind of bad..Dont mean to cause any problems for any one

[TheCotMan]

I am part french so my english is kind of bad..Dont mean to cause any problems for any one

I'm more forgiving than some. However, if English was your first language, you would probably be seeing many negative replies at this point.

To try to answer your questions:
If you want to learn computer programming languages, then you should pick up a book on a language of choice or attend classes on the language you want to learn. Which of these you choose depends on what method you find is easier to learning a new programming language.

DefCon is not the place to learn new programming languages.

If you desire to learn things at DefCon in the conferences, you should educate yourself on the topics at the conference which you find most interesting. Then, when you visit DefCon, you can ask intelligent questions, and share ideas with other people. (For example, if you like a topic on Cryptography, then educate yourself before you attend. This way, you will be able to better understand the topics being discussed.)

DefCon is actually more than just conferences. Visit the DC12 Home Page to see many of the official events at DefCon. If you only do one thing at DefCon, then you have missed the genuine DefCon experience.

Good luck.

[kiji]

Thank u for understanding...I am not trying to cause any trouble that might come up with my english sometimes it is hard to explain what I am trying to ask or explain towards people..So thank u

[TheCotMan]

Thank u for understanding...I am not trying to cause any trouble that might come up with my english sometimes it is hard to explain what I am trying to ask or explain towards people..So thank u

You should modify your writing a little bit, if you want people to understand you.

First, end each thought with a period. It will make it easier to know where one thought ends and a new one begins.

Since it is not well accepted here, avoid using abbreviations like _u_ for _you_.

Read the rules and pay attention to guidelines, #5:

"5. Abbreviated English, ‘SMS’-speak, or ‘leet-speak
...
‘if u type lik diz’ you are basically saying ‘I am dumb, please do not pay any attention to me, in fact please ban me as soon as possible since I bring nothing to the table’. If you type like a big boy, you will be treated like one....

You will note that many people did not reply to many of your other posts. This is one reason why.

[kiji]

You should modify your writing a little bit, if you want people to understand you.

First, end each thought with a period. It will make it easier to know where one thought ends and a new one begins.

Since it is not well accepted here, avoid using abbreviations like _u_ for _you_.

Read the rules and pay attention to guidelines, #5:



You will note that many people did not reply to many of your other posts. This is one reason why.

I understand the rule's and what to expect from every one. I swear I well try my best to watch how I do my thoughts and abbreviations next time thank you for helping. Hope this is better. :D

[astcell]

Defcon is unique in that you are not graded on your age, but your maturity and knowledge. I have met 40 year olds that need to take a flying leap, and I have met 17 year olds at whose feet I would grovel.

Do not worry about your age. Speak the truth. That receives the most respect of all. That is what keeps me coming back for more!

[kiji]

Defcon is unique in that you are not graded on your age, but your maturity and knowledge. I have met 40 year olds that need to take a flying leap, and I have met 17 year olds at whose feet I would grovel.

Do not worry about your age. Speak the truth. That receives the most respect of all. That is what keeps me coming back for more!

Nice to meet u astcell. I dont really understand where u are coming from on this? Can u explain in more details if u don't mind. Thank u.

[dYn4mic]

Although I've only been to defcon once before. I can backup what the great astcell has stated. I think what he said is a clear reason in why so many people enjoy defcon (becides the drinking, talks, price, attitude and location).

I think what he stated, which was easy for me to understand (not sure why you don't see 'where he is coming from' ....) .. could also be understood this way:

Defcon isn't about how old you are, its not about how much money you've had, how good your grammer skills are, or how many g1bs0n's you've hax0r'd... Its about who you are and what you know. This isn't some security vul mailing list addict....

Come to defcon with your head on your shoulders, share what you know and listen to what people have to say... maybe drink a lil (or a lot) and but learn and enjoy it....

[astcell]

kiji,

99% of the folks prefer the honesty. Just be yourself. If you work at 7/11 and make hot dogs all day and just saved up for a Pentium 66 laptop, say so. Be yourself. THAT is what counts.