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 //
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Website:  https://hackers-arise.net/ 

// Occupy The Web Books //  
Linux Basics for Hackers 2nd Ed 
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Linux Basics for Hackers: 
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Getting Started Becoming a Master Hacker 
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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:      • 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

#514: Why People Buy the WRONG Laptops for Hacking

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All the best!
David

#514: Why People Buy the WRONG Laptops for Hacking

David Bombal