There is so much going on all at once that it is literally impossible to see and do it all.  There are games or simulations playing all the time, as well as three or four seminars simultaneously, in addition to the exhibits.

The group to the right is in a room devoted entirely to "hacking".  Oh, don't worry, they aren't trying to get into YOUR computer.  There are several teams spread out in this room, and they each have a network set up to try to keep the others in the room out of theirs, while simultaneously trying to break into the networks of the other teams in the room.

This was my first DefCon convention, and I must say that it was the most enjoyable convention I have had until now.  It was so enjoyable that I've started looking at other security conventions to see what else I've been missing.

One of the "tests" occuring during the entire convention is one in which "hackers" watch what is happening on the free wireless network provided by DefCon.  Some people, even at a security convention, still manage to send private information with no encryption, thus allowing these "good guys" hackers to list their login information on the screen (left).  No, the passwords are NOT displayed, but it still shows how many even in this day and age are still not aware of security, even on an open network like this.

There are always three or more seminars being conducted at any time.  It was very difficult to decide which ones to attend and which ones I would therefore miss.  One time, I started in one, found it wasn't what I wanted, and then walked next door and listened to one which was much better for me.  The presentations were informative and enjoyable.  It is scary what can and does go on out there on the internet and elsewhere.

The exhibit hall was amazingly small, but they sure did cram a LOT of stuff into that room.  Here, you can see all kinds of books available (legally) which will tell you exactly how to hack into someone's computer, how to find private information on the internet, or how to break into someone's house.  Scary stuff, when you stop to think of it.  The main point of DefCon, though, is to help us to better fight this kind of stuff.  The hackers who attend these security conferences are (for the most part) the "good guys", teaching others how to protect themselves and their clients.  Oh, yeah, and there are MANY cops and government (read FBI) agents who attend.

Here I am trying my hand at picking door locks.  I walked into the room knowing nothing, and after just an hour, I was able to pick several locks.  There are good locks (difficult to pick) and bad locks (easy to pick), and it is good to know the difference.  The teenage girl on my left became expert at "raking" locks open.