Re: Isn't it a security hole...
As Joshua Stockwell wrote:
> >>> On Aug 14, 2:35pm, Bruce Perens wrote:
> >>> : Ahem. Let's not use the word "hacker" to mean
> >>> : "computer criminal" on this list. "cracker" is more
> >>> : appropriate.
> >>> >-- End of excerpt from Bruce Perens
>
>
> Christopher R. Hertel wrote:
> >>> Seconded. The term "hacker" originally referred to one
> >>> who would "hack" at [working] code to make it better,
> >>> faster, cleaner, more fun, etc. The term has been badly
> >>> misused in recent years, and for some has taken on a
> >>> new meaning. Given the true meaning of the term, most
> >>> of the people on this list could be called "hacker".
> To be quite honest, I think it has two meanings now. And it
> is nothing very recent, "hacker" has been used to label
> computer criminals at least for the last 12 years. Like many
> other english words, you just have to keep in mind under
> what context it is being used and apply the most appropriate
> definition. I personally would never want to be called a
> hacker, because it has a third definition for me -- someone
> who spends way too much time on their computer :)
Actually, all the above meanings are Johnny-come-latelies.
The original meanings (there are several nuances) derive from
hack (n.), a contraction of hackney, which means a horse used
in common work. Leading into meaning a carriage for hire,
operated by a hacker, this is also applied to motorized
taxicab operators (I know, I was one before I discovered
computers). Thus, through personal experience, I can attest
that the other nuances -- hired out, trite or commonplace,
make common by overuse, someone hired to do monotonous
mindless drugery, a lackey -- all these meanings come from
that taken-for-granted nag.
So it was with great surprise that, over twenty years ago, I
encountered the new meaning of hacker, which is truely at
variance with the established conotation of the word. I say
this new meaning should be given completely to the crackers,
especially since, thanks to the media, society has already
done so, as Joshua has pointed out.
Thus, I propose a new word be adopted to describe the clever
and benign inventor of quick technical fixes. Rasher, from
"Shockwave Rider" usage, is a possible candidate, except
Brunner's rashers seemed to operate too much outside the
boundaries of ethics, delving into industrial espionage and
even sabotage, as I recall. Ideas, anyone?
Reply to: