Interesting. How would one get into systems CTF? Sure, google returns plenty of hits, but are there any active communities that are better geared towards newbs or better resources, etc...
It is the best beginner CTF I have ever seen in my life, and I've been CTF'ing for 9 years.
Incidentally, if anyone here finds that they really like this stuff, my team (Samurai) is all about teaching those who want to learn. Email me at borski@tinfoilsecurity.com :)
(It was from PicoCTF that I went from knowing nearly nothing about security to qualifying for a competition in New York to qualifying for a competition in Korea to obtaining an internship in a computer security lab -- thanks once again, CMU! Even if I'm working at your rivals now...)
Most of the VM's link to the creators' website / blog, which is a good way to find more information and resources as well, as they tend to be active security researchers.