Definitions of the Terms Hacker, Cracker and Coder
It was several months ago that I noticed the discussion at Jason Scotts blog about the definitions for hacker and cracker. I would add to that mix the term coder, because it will become important in the details of own definition of each of those terms.Three important facts will I mention right from the start: There are hundreds of definitions for the term hacker out there and they are all different ranging from portraying a hacker as an ethical and selfless whiz kid who does things for the greater good to the evil and selfish wannabe who cannot create stuff himself and thus prefers to destroy other people???s work. The meaning of the word hacker did change over time. People used the word in much broader terms in the past and even outside of computers. Mass media put their mark on the term and helped to add to the confusion and misconception. I recommend avoiding the use of the words whenever possible, because everybody perceives and understands it different. Especially if you are using the words in a positive context are misunderstandings just waiting there to happen. Instead of cracker, use “computer-crack” or in instead of hack, use the term ???exploit??? or ???workaround??? instead for example. However, if you have to or want o use the terms, clarify what you mean by them and not just let the terms out there on their own.My definitions incorporate the changes in the computer industry and the fact that it is not the[…]
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