Re: What is a "hack"?

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

mairsil@my-dejanews.com writes ...
> 
> In article <36D4693B.4D17F91E@swbell.net>,
>   rubywand@swbell.net wrote:
 ....

> >      The essential idea of a "hack" is accomplishing some specific task
> > relatively quickly without benefit of complete, detailed information.
> > Consequently, to achieve success, a "hacker" depends upon experience,
> > intelligence, and intuition rather than lengthy, in-depth analysis.
> >
 ....
> >
> >      A hacker is always evaluating the risk of some patch or workaround
> > and, often, applies lower-scope hacks first in order to sample the
> > behavior of the system which is being hacked. In many ways, hacking is
> > similar to playing a musical instrument by ear.
> 
> The thing is, in the news, movies, etc. they portray hackers as punk kids who
> get their jollies illegally breaking into other people's computers. Thanks to
> this, common people don't see hackers the same way as you and me.

     Movies and TV do seem to over emphasize illicit net activities. At least
current popular hacker models -- such as the 'nerd' group featured in several
Xfiles episodes and Willow on Buffy-- show hacking being done for some good
cause.



Rubywand