ep0285 :: Hacker
Definitions taken from different dictionaries, with non-IT related definitions removed for relevance.
"Hacker" :n
- A programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to steal or change or destroy information as a form of cyber-terrorism [syn: cyber-terrorist, cyberpunk]
- A programmer for whom computing is its own reward; may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers but does no harm; "true hackers subscribe to a code of ethics and look down upon crackers"
- 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.
- One who programs enthusiastically (even obsessively) or who enjoys programming rather than just theorizing about programming.
- A person capable of appreciating hack value.
- A person who is good at programming quickly.
- An expert at a particular program, or one who frequently does work using it or on it; as in `a Unix hacker'. (Definitions 1 through 5 are correlated, and people who fit them congregate.)
- An expert or enthusiast of any kind. One might be an astronomy hacker, for example.
- One who enjoys the intellectual challenge of creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations.
- [deprecated] A malicious meddler who tries to discover sensitive information by poking around. Hence `password hacker', `network hacker'. The correct term for this sense is cracker.
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Re:#1, cyberpunk really should not be a synonym for cracker, it really refers to a branch of science fiction literature that deals with poor people in high tech situations, of which Gibson's Neuromancer is a prime example.
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Deepgeek
IMO we should NOT abandon the word "hacker".
We need to educate the public instead. It's a great term.
As you point out, the internet is full of credentials like "long time debian hacker". Such statements are there for ever. Let's ensure the correct meaning is the one that endures.
Does use of the term harm linux adoption? I don't think so, but that is an interesting question indeed.
I don't think any of this is going to hinder the adoption of Linux, actually. I found it interesting that during research for my last HPR episode, I was listening to another show on a new technology. They were rabid that it would never get used, and i had an epiphany. They reminded me that there was a day when BBS users ranted that the Internet would never be adopted, and boy were they wrong. I think we are going the same way with this. The people who militantly rant about linux being unadoptable deep down know it can't be stopped, and are getting all emotional about that.
Let me end it here, before I get emotional about my argument and make people think that I must be wrong because of that!
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Deepgeek
Hacking invokes images of someone with an axe or jungle bolo making his way through obstacles -- basically creating a new path or opening. Kind of poetic too!