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Want a “hacker” laptop without wasting cash? In this candid breakdown with OTW, we cut through the hype and show you what actually matters for learning pentesting in 2025: prioritising RAM over flashy GPUs, picking VMware (free for personal use) for reliable labs, using refurbs/minis/Raspberry Pi, and planning for where wireless

hacking is going (Bluetooth/BLE/Zigbee) — not just Wi-Fi. We also cover AMD vs Intel vs Apple M-chips/ARM for Linux VMs, when cloud cracking makes sense, and why daily practice beats buying gadgets.

Highlights:

• Best beginner specs (RAM first, SSD nice, storage ≠ speed)

• VMware vs VirtualBox for home labs

• AMD/Intel vs Apple M-chips/ARM for Kali/Parrot VMs

• Alpha adapters & aircrack-ng compatibility; Nordic nRF52 for BLE

• Budget path: used/refurb, mini-PCs, Pi, phone/cloud labs (HTB/THM)

• The 80/20 rule of hacking: skills are greater than gear

If you’re delaying until you can afford a $2 – 3k laptop, don’t. Start now, learn daily, and upgrade later.

// Occupy The Web SOCIAL //

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Linux Basics for Hackers 2nd Ed

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// Playlists REFERENCE //

Linux Basics for Hackers: • Linux for Hackers Tutorial (And Free Courses)

Mr Robot: • Hack like Mr Robot // WiFi, Bluetooth and ...

Hackers Arise / Occupy the Web Hacks: • Hacking Tools (with demos) that you need t...

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// MENU //

0:00 - Coming up

01:21 - Proton VPN sponsored segment

03:16 - Get started and start learning

08:39 - Computer specs: CPU, GPU, RAM & Hard drives

16:46 - Time vs Money

17:58 - Virtual machines

19:15 - Computer specs overview

22:17 - Wi-Fi adaptors for Wi-Fi hacking

24:17 - Bluetooth dongles for Bluetooth hacking

26:57 - "80% Person & 20% Machine"

29:17 - Do you need hacking gadgets?

31:57 - Apple vs Intel vs AMD

35:53 - Learn hacking with a smartphone

37:01 - Learn hacking with a Raspberry Pi

39:32 - Kali Linux vs ParrotOS (Which OS to use?)

40:58 - The problem with Chromebooks

42:02 - Using Hack The Box/TryHackMe // Conclusion

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only.

#hacking #laptop #vm