Explore the fundamentals of hardware hacking in this 23-minute conference talk from BSidesLV 2015. Dive into the world of serial and JTAG interfaces, learning the differences between serial and parallel communication, various form factors, and data transmission methods. Gain insights into embedded devices, TTL signaling, and the use of serial converters. Discover the intricacies of JTAG, including Test Mode Select, pinouts, and interface techniques. Learn about essential tools such as OpenOCD, USB Serial Adapters, and FTDI Friend. Understand the applications of serial adapters and Sprint Overdrive in hardware hacking. Conclude with a Q&A session to solidify your understanding of these crucial concepts for basic hardware hacking.