User:Cory.holt

My name is Cory and I am a blogger. More importantly, I am a tech blogger. I love technology, and have ever since I can remember. I enjoy computer building/modding, gaming, computer security, and anything else that can be described as "technology".

My first computer was a Packard Bell desktop. I don't remember the specs but I do remember it being my "training wheels";. I learned basic computer skills by surfing the internet by connecting to AOL via a 28k modem. The reason I vividly remember restoring the computer at least over 50 times during my experience with it. Now, when I say "restore", I don't mean the way that we restore a computer today by inserting a restore CD and pressing a couple buttons. To restore this computer to its normal state required installing Windows 3.1 via 10 floppy disks. Then, you had to install the SoundBlaster drivers which was the only way to get Win3.1 to notice the CD drive. Those drivers were easily located on 3 more floppy disks. Then, and only then, could you pop in the Win95 CD and wait about an hour for it to install. It was quite an experience and was the ultimate remedy for the computer after I had messed around in a folder I shouldn't have and deleted that file that was needed to boot. That computer's last day was when I was trying to restore it and the SoundBlaster driver floppy was damaged and I could no longer run Windows 95. I could have searched the internet for the drivers but I didn't really feel like it.

Then I got my second computer which was a Wal-Mart $899 special HP desktop with the monitor, printer, and box all included. This was running the best Windows OS of all time, yep, it was running Windows ME. I then got my Dell Laptop and that was pretty much the last computer I built. I am now running both that Dell Laptop and a custom built computer by me for gaming.

My first website was The Jedi Lounge. It was created in FrontPage using tables and iFrames, and hosted on a free geocities account. It was pretty popular with about 100 forum members and about 30-40 affiliates. I then dumped that idea to peruse the hacking scene. I created a tutorial and challenge playground site called How2Hack. As of my leaving the site to peruse other things, the site had about 1000 active members and a library of articles and challenges. This site still exists but is run by a friend of mine.

That path got me the skills I needed and helped me expand into things that I very much enjoy today. This includes running this blog, writing for various others, and co-hosting a podcast, Teen Tech Talk, with a few other friends.