How does a non-hacker get into a start-up?
bayareaguy: Not all hackers are programmers. If you really are really enthusiastic about technology then you may already be a hacker.  You just need to find your niche.  You're probably not going to be the next Linus Torvalds but with a whole lot of effort you might just turn out to be the next Guy Kawasaki.I think you should look for companies that are doing something you really "get" and help them  evangelize whatever it is they do.