Information Security - How to teach yourself the basics?

I'm thinking about entering the Information Security field at my college(got general education out of the way), but not quite sure if I want to yet or not.. I would like to be able to practice at home on my own network via penetration testing, but I don't know where to begin? Also what are some decent jobs in the field? Any magazines that would be helpful to read/order? Any gear I need to go out and buy?(switches, routers etc) I need a direction =) thanks!