Hey everyone,

I'm a first-year B.Tech student just starting my journey into Cybersecurity. I'm really excited to dive in, but I've hit a hardware roadblock.

I'm currently using an ARM-based laptop (like a Surface Pro X or a Mac with M-series chip). I've tried to get a proper Linux environment running using WSL2 and virtual machines, but it's been a struggle and things don't work properly (especially tools that need x86 architecture or low-level hardware access).

My current plan is to buy a dedicated, more powerful x86 laptop for hands-on labs and pentesting, but for financial reasons, I'll probably have to wait until after my 2nd year.

So, my big question is: Is it feasible to learn Cybersecurity effectively for the next two years without direct access to a native Linux machine?

My main concerns are:

1. Will I be at a significant disadvantage in my foundational years?

2. What can I realistically learn and practice in the meantime?

3. Am I making a big mistake by waiting?

I'd love to hear from students and professionals who might have been in a similar spot. Any advice on how to make the most of my current setup or reassurance that my plan is okay would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks in advance.