Hello.

I just solved my first crypto-challenge with a little self-written programm.
Did you solve the crypto-challenges by your self or what tools did you use?

I think tools are okay. But there are some of them which could deliver the solution immediatley.
If you use them you don't have to work out something and that is not called a challenge.

How did you do it and whats is your opinion about it?

well, programs are needed to use later on more complex challs...
suit yourself if you wanna solve Crypto training chall by hand...
well better is if you make your own program, cos you leant lotsa things...
you'll see later... but if you wanna find those programs... go thru some crypto forum here
and you'll find it... there are manny of them but for 20% you can use Cryptool

Grivier