[plug] Hackers

[Oliver White]

Ahh yes. How about 'programmers enjoying the advantages of a distributed
development model in a voluntary capacity'?

Hmm... doesn't quite have the same ring to it.

Matt Kemner wrote:

> On Fri, 30 Jun 2000, Mike from West Australia wrote:
>
> > Doesn't that suggest an oxymoron, I mean what hacker (who is a real
> > hacker) is ever likely to expose themselves, or am I barking up the
> > wrong port ;)
>
> I think you're confusing hacker with cracker.
>
> By the original definitions, a "real" hacker is:
>
>  1. A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable
>     systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most
>     users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary.
>  2. One who programs enthusiastically (even obsessively) or who enjoys
>     programming rather than just theorizing about programming.
>
> (from the jargon file)
>
> A cracker is "One who breaks security on a system"
>
> I doubt many crackers would admit to it in a public forum such as this,
> but there is no shame in being a hacker.
>
> (Not that I'm implying crackers feel shame, but I'm sure you get my drift)
>
>  - Matt