Eric Meyer asked:




Kismet is a wireless network detector / sniffer which can give you a vast amount of information about wireless networks. Wireless network security flaws are well documented but often very hard for the common person to understand. I will be showing you how to use kismet with out even having to install Linux, or compile kismet.

First you need to proceed to remote-exploit.org and download and burn their Auditor CD. (IF you don’t know how to burn an ISO image, go to Google). This version of Linux doesn’t install or modify your hard drive; it will boot from the CD and use a Ram Drive (On your Memory).

Auditor is not only a great tool for testing wireless network security with kismet but it also has many other computer security tools on it as well.

Client Window

Next, to start Kismet proceed to the Linux version of the start menu, and press Auditor.
Now proceed to the wireless /scanning/kismet tools/kismet.

Once you click on Kismet it will ask you for a default location to place the Kismet log files for analyzing later, just press the desktop or temp file.

Now I will show you how to use Kismet. When kismet initially opens you will see a greenish box with numbers and network names (If any are near you) clicking away don’t be overwhelmed. (Also I can’t show you how to use kismet if you don’t have the correct wireless adapter, get an ORINICO Gold Classic Card off EBAY.) The Orninco gold classic card will be automaticly detected by auditor linux.

The Kismet columns will show the wireless networks SSID (Name), Type of device (Access point, gateway) Encryption or no Encryption, an IP range and number of packets. Kismet will pick up hidden networks with SSID broadcast Disabled also, Netstumbler will not.

Now Press H, to bring up the Help Menu. This will give the nuts and bolts on how to use kismet. If you tab down to the network you are auditing and press “C”, Kismet will show you all the computers that are using that wireless access point / gateway. This Kismet screen will show you the clients MAC address, Manufacture of Wireless Adapter, IP address range and traffic.

Kismet: Help Menue

Now to get out of that screen press “Q”. Tab Down on the Main Kismet Screen to another SSID and press “I”. This Kismet window will show detailed information about the wireless network. The Kismet detail screen will show the type of network (Infrastructrure / Adhoc), signal strength, channel, encryption type, and much more.

Kismet will also give you sound alerts when new wireless networks are discovered or security alerts or suspicious clients are in range. Suspicious clients would be people like you who are using Kismet or Networkstumbler. Unlike you these could be Wardrivers looking for venerable networks to hack into.

Kismet Alert Page

You can prevent War drivers from discovering your wireless network by performing a proper site survey which will help limit signal bleed off to unneeded areas. You should write down the suspicious MAC address and keep an eye on your access logs. If the War Drivers are really stupid just look out your window and look for cars with weird antennas.HA HA HA.

Kismet is more than just a tool to discover wireless networks; it can be used in conjunction with other tools to crack WEP/WPA. Many websites will claim that WEP can be cracked in less that five minutes. This is only half the truth because it could take many hours,days,months to gather enough packets to crack. Good luck and have fun learning the more advanced applications of kismet.

Steve

Nicole S. Peters asked:




A netbook is a streamlined mobile device designed for the Internet, so you can stay connected on the go. But which model out there is the best Netbook? We look at the top three netbooks available on the market in January 2009.

Samsung NC10

The Samsung NC10 edged the Acer Aspire One and Asus EEE PC 1000H because of its better keyboard. The NC10 is a new model in the market and Samsung is a reputable brand. However, a Linux version is not available yet.

The Samsung NC10 has a battery life of up to 6 hours and a keyboard that is roughly 93% of a standard full-sized laptop keyboard ensuring that you can easily IM, email and check out all your favorite websites. By sprinkling incredibly small, nano-sized silver ion powder on the keyboard, Samsung has made the NC10 system bacteria free for even longer. Currently, only three colors are available but more are planned.

This is probably the best netbook money can buy. It is also more attractive and more durable than both the Asus EEE PC and Acer Aspire One series of netbooks – the ‘missing Apple’ netbook (no announcement from the 2009 MacWorld Expo)!

Asus Eee PC 1000H Netbook

The Asus Eee PC started it all. As of this writing, there are over a dozen and a half EEE PC models ranging from 7″ to 10″ screens and in various eye-catching colors. The Asus EEE PC 1000H is one of the best selling models for Asus. For almost a full year, Asus was the king of netbooks until everybody else caught up.

The Asus Eee PC 1000H is their top model but it is heavier than the Samsung NC10 due to its larger battery capacity. This netbook has a battery life of up to 7 hours and a keyboard that is roughly 92% of a standard full-sized laptop keyboard but unfortunately it has a poor layout.

There are two operating systems currently available: Windows XP & Xandros Linux. Additionally, it is larger in dimensions than other 10 inch netbooks – a slight negative considering these netbooks should be minimal in size and weight for portability.

Acer Aspire One Netbook

The Acer Aspire One is probably one of the more affordable netbook in the market today due to a recent price cut. This would make a great family laptop used by teenagers who just want to surf the web, check emails, do their homework, listen to music, and watch YouTube videos. It is also great for commuting in public transportation or long trips to college or visiting friends. It also makes a great second or travel ‘laptop’ for business users. Because of its global distribution network, the Acer Aspire One is the best selling netbook in the world.

The Acer Aspire One has a battery life of up to 5.5 hours and a keyboard that is roughly 89% of a standard full-sized laptop keyboard. Two operating systems are currently available: Windows XP & Linpus Linux. There are five colors available for everyone including the most popular Rose Pink for the female demographic and Sapphire Blue for the male demographic.

If low price is what you’re after, then the Acer Aspire One is the netbook of choice. It’s not as sophisticated but it offers good value though not battery life.

Ramon