I'd say a good way to get started would be to install Windows XP on a machine, start downloading and installing pirated warez, then watch `netstat` or install Wireshark.
I would suggest two modifications to your plan: Using a VM (easier and fairly safe, very few viruses can break out of a VM), and getting the viruses some other way (I don't see that many in pirated material). One way that works is to follow the links next time a spambot hits a large IRC channel you're in.
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I'd say a good way to get started would be to install Windows XP on a machine, start downloading and installing pirated warez, then watch `netstat` or install Wireshark.
I would suggest two modifications to your plan: Using a VM (easier and fairly safe, very few viruses can break out of a VM), and getting the viruses some other way (I don't see that many in pirated material). One way that works is to follow the links next time a spambot hits a large IRC channel you're in.