[plug] Hackers

[Matt Kemner]

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