Why People Buy the WRONG Laptops for Hacking

David Bombal · Beginner ·🔐 Cybersecurity ·7mo ago
Big thanks to Proton VPN for sponsoring this video. To get 64% discount to your Proton VPN Plus subscription, please use the following link: https://protonvpn.com/davidbombal 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 // X: https://twitter.com/three_cube Website: https://hackers-arise.net/ // Occupy The Web Books // Linux Basics for Hackers 2nd Ed US: https://amzn.to/3TscpxY UK: https://amzn.to/45XaF7j Linux Basics for Hackers: US: https://amzn.to/3wqukgC UK: https://amzn.to/43PHFev Getting Started Becoming a Master Hacker US: https://amzn.to/4bmGqX2 UK: https://amzn.to/43JG2iA Network Basics for hackers: US: https://amzn.to/3yeYVyb UK: https://amzn.to/4aInbGK // OTW Discount // Use the code BOMBAL to get a 20% discount off anything from OTW's website: https://hackers-arise.net/ // Playlists REFERENCE // Linux Basics for Hackers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJUVNlmIO6E&list=PLhfrWIlLOoKOs-fjCPHdzD2icF2vORfwK&pp=iAQB Mr Robot: https://www.youtube.com/wa
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1 RYU SDN Controller Part 4: Graphical User Interface (GUI): Practical GNS3 SDN and OpenFlow
RYU SDN Controller Part 4: Graphical User Interface (GUI): Practical GNS3 SDN and OpenFlow
David Bombal
2 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 1 - Introduction
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 1 - Introduction
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3 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 2 : DNS Interception using OpenFlow
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 2 : DNS Interception using OpenFlow
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4 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 3 - Lab Setup using Physical Switches
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 3 - Lab Setup using Physical Switches
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5 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 4 - Demo of malicious websites blocked
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 4 - Demo of malicious websites blocked
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6 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 5 - Demo OpenFlow table interception flows
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 5 - Demo OpenFlow table interception flows
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7 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 6 - Demo of Physical Switch configuration
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 6 - Demo of Physical Switch configuration
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8 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 7 - Demo Service Insertion Tunnel / GRE Tunnel
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 7 - Demo Service Insertion Tunnel / GRE Tunnel
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9 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 8 - Demo SDN OpenFlow Reporting
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 8 - Demo SDN OpenFlow Reporting
David Bombal
10 HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 9 - Demo switches interception of DNS traffic
HPE Network Protector SDN Application Part 9 - Demo switches interception of DNS traffic
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11 GNS3 Talks: GNS3 version 1.5.X Appliance Tips
GNS3 Talks: GNS3 version 1.5.X Appliance Tips
David Bombal
12 CCNA 200-125 Exam: AAA demo: TACACS+ with GNS3
CCNA 200-125 Exam: AAA demo: TACACS+ with GNS3
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13 GNS3 2.0.0 beta 2 install
GNS3 2.0.0 beta 2 install
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14 CCNA #012: Learn SNMP with GNS3, Wireshark and Solarwinds NPM - CCNA 200-125 exam
CCNA #012: Learn SNMP with GNS3, Wireshark and Solarwinds NPM - CCNA 200-125 exam
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15 CCNA #013: Spanning Tree CCNA Exam Questions: Know the answer? CCNA 200-125 exam
CCNA #013: Spanning Tree CCNA Exam Questions: Know the answer? CCNA 200-125 exam
David Bombal
16 GNS3 2.0.0 beta : GNS3 VM integration with GNS3 GUI
GNS3 2.0.0 beta : GNS3 VM integration with GNS3 GUI
David Bombal
17 CCNA #018: Routing exam questions: Who wins? OSPF, EIGRP or RIP? Sure? CCNA 200-125 exam
CCNA #018: Routing exam questions: Who wins? OSPF, EIGRP or RIP? Sure? CCNA 200-125 exam
David Bombal
18 CCNA #019: Spanning Tree CCNA Exam Questions: Root Bridge, Root Port and more: CCNA 200-125 exam
CCNA #019: Spanning Tree CCNA Exam Questions: Root Bridge, Root Port and more: CCNA 200-125 exam
David Bombal
19 GNS3 Download, installation and configuration - GNS3 1.5.3 and Windows 10
GNS3 Download, installation and configuration - GNS3 1.5.3 and Windows 10
David Bombal
20 CCNA #023 EIGRP Neighbor Troubleshooting (DUAL Issues) for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
CCNA #023 EIGRP Neighbor Troubleshooting (DUAL Issues) for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
David Bombal
21 GNS3 2.0 Architecture and schema Part 1: What is the GNS3 Controller?
GNS3 2.0 Architecture and schema Part 1: What is the GNS3 Controller?
David Bombal
22 GNS3 2.0 Architecture and schema Part 2: Emulators and virtualization
GNS3 2.0 Architecture and schema Part 2: Emulators and virtualization
David Bombal
23 CCNA #028 VTP Troubleshooting for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
CCNA #028 VTP Troubleshooting for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
David Bombal
24 CCNA #029 VTP & DTP Troubleshooting for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
CCNA #029 VTP & DTP Troubleshooting for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
David Bombal
25 CCNA #030 VTP Troubleshooting for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
CCNA #030 VTP Troubleshooting for the CCNA 200-125 Exam
David Bombal
26 GNS3 : How to download Cisco IOS images and VIRL images. Which is the best? How do you get them?
GNS3 : How to download Cisco IOS images and VIRL images. Which is the best? How do you get them?
David Bombal
27 GNS3 ASA setup: Import and configure Cisco ASAv with GNS3
GNS3 ASA setup: Import and configure Cisco ASAv with GNS3
David Bombal
28 GNS3 switching setup and options: Cisco and other switching options in GNS3
GNS3 switching setup and options: Cisco and other switching options in GNS3
David Bombal
29 GNS3 switching setup and options Part 2: GNS3 unmanaged built-in switch
GNS3 switching setup and options Part 2: GNS3 unmanaged built-in switch
David Bombal
30 GNS3 switching setup and options Part 3: Router on a sick with GNS3 unmanaged built-in switch
GNS3 switching setup and options Part 3: Router on a sick with GNS3 unmanaged built-in switch
David Bombal
31 GNS3 switching setup and options Part 4: Etherswitch Router for Cisco Dynamips Part 1
GNS3 switching setup and options Part 4: Etherswitch Router for Cisco Dynamips Part 1
David Bombal
32 GNS3 switching setup and options Part 5: Etherswitch Router for Cisco Dynamips Part 2
GNS3 switching setup and options Part 5: Etherswitch Router for Cisco Dynamips Part 2
David Bombal
33 GNS3 switching setup and options Part 6: Etherswitch, Wireshark, 802.1Q, InterVLAN routing
GNS3 switching setup and options Part 6: Etherswitch, Wireshark, 802.1Q, InterVLAN routing
David Bombal
34 GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 1: GNS3 Switching Part 7
GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 1: GNS3 Switching Part 7
David Bombal
35 GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 2: GNS3 Switching Part 8
GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 2: GNS3 Switching Part 8
David Bombal
36 GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 3: GNS3 Switching Part 9
GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 3: GNS3 Switching Part 9
David Bombal
37 GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 4: GNS3 Switching Part 10
GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 4: GNS3 Switching Part 10
David Bombal
38 GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 5: GNS3 Switching Part 11
GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 5: GNS3 Switching Part 11
David Bombal
39 GNS3 Nexus (NX-OSv) switch setup and configuration Part 1: GNS3 switching options Part 12
GNS3 Nexus (NX-OSv) switch setup and configuration Part 1: GNS3 switching options Part 12
David Bombal
40 GNS3 Nexus (NX-OSv) switch setup and configuration Part 2: GNS3 switching options Part 13
GNS3 Nexus (NX-OSv) switch setup and configuration Part 2: GNS3 switching options Part 13
David Bombal
41 GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 6: GNS3 Switching Part 14
GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 6: GNS3 Switching Part 14
David Bombal
42 GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 7: GNS3 Switching Part 15
GNS3 Talks: Docker, Open vSwitch, SDN and OpenFlow Part 7: GNS3 Switching Part 15
David Bombal
43 GNS3 Cisco CSR 1000v setup and configuration Part 1: GNS3 NFV
GNS3 Cisco CSR 1000v setup and configuration Part 1: GNS3 NFV
David Bombal
44 GNS3 Cisco CSR 1000v setup and configuration Part 2: GNS3 NFV
GNS3 Cisco CSR 1000v setup and configuration Part 2: GNS3 NFV
David Bombal
45 GNS3 Talks: Use the NAT node to connect GNS3 to the Internet easily!
GNS3 Talks: Use the NAT node to connect GNS3 to the Internet easily!
David Bombal
46 GNS3 Talks: GNS3 2.0 RC1 is now available
GNS3 Talks: GNS3 2.0 RC1 is now available
David Bombal
47 GNS3 Talks: GNS3 2.0 Portable Projects - easily export and import GNS3 projects
GNS3 Talks: GNS3 2.0 Portable Projects - easily export and import GNS3 projects
David Bombal
48 GNS3 Talks: Multiple clients sharing projects in real time, plus console session shadowing!
GNS3 Talks: Multiple clients sharing projects in real time, plus console session shadowing!
David Bombal
49 CCNA #035 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 1 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
CCNA #035 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 1 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
David Bombal
50 CCNA #036 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 2 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
CCNA #036 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 2 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
David Bombal
51 GNS3 Talks: ESXi, GNS3 VM and KVM support Part 1: leverage servers and the cloud
GNS3 Talks: ESXi, GNS3 VM and KVM support Part 1: leverage servers and the cloud
David Bombal
52 CCNA #037 OSPF Troubleshooting - can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
CCNA #037 OSPF Troubleshooting - can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
David Bombal
53 GNS3 Talks: ESXi, GNS3 VM and KVM support Part 2:  leverage servers and the cloud
GNS3 Talks: ESXi, GNS3 VM and KVM support Part 2: leverage servers and the cloud
David Bombal
54 CCNA #038 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 3 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
CCNA #038 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 3 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
David Bombal
55 CCNA #039 - OSPF DR, BR and DROTHER Election - do you know the answers?
CCNA #039 - OSPF DR, BR and DROTHER Election - do you know the answers?
David Bombal
56 CCNA #040 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 4 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
CCNA #040 NAT Troubleshooting Scenario 4 - Can you find the issue? CCNA Exam 200-125 troubleshooting
David Bombal
57 GNS3 Talks: Arista vEOS GNS3 import and configuration Part 1
GNS3 Talks: Arista vEOS GNS3 import and configuration Part 1
David Bombal
58 CCNA #041 - OSPF DR, BR and DROTHER Election - do you know the answers?
CCNA #041 - OSPF DR, BR and DROTHER Election - do you know the answers?
David Bombal
59 GNS3 Talks: Arista vEOS GNS3 import and configuration Part 2
GNS3 Talks: Arista vEOS GNS3 import and configuration Part 2
David Bombal
60 GNS3 Talks: ipterm: Linux, Docker, Python, SDN and more! Part 1
GNS3 Talks: ipterm: Linux, Docker, Python, SDN and more! Part 1
David Bombal

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