Difference between revisions of "Hacker"
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| − | A '''hacker''' can be defined as a person who solves problems in clever ways, especially regarding [[computer]] [[programming]] and [[hardware]] [[engineering]].<ref>http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/meaning-of-hack.html</ref> The term is often used to denote "security cracker", since hackers most frequently appear in the news involving computer [[security breach]]es. | + | A '''hacker''' can be defined as a person who solves problems in clever ways, especially regarding [[computer]] [[programming]] and [[hardware]] [[engineering]].<ref>http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/meaning-of-hack.html</ref> The term is often used to denote "[[security cracker]]", since hackers most frequently appear in the news involving computer [[security breach]]es. |
'''Hacking''' may refer to a number of activities, including: | '''Hacking''' may refer to a number of activities, including: | ||
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''Hackers'' is also the title of a 1995 film.<ref>http://imdb.com/title/tt0113243/</ref> | ''Hackers'' is also the title of a 1995 film.<ref>http://imdb.com/title/tt0113243/</ref> | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:40, November 3, 2008
A hacker can be defined as a person who solves problems in clever ways, especially regarding computer programming and hardware engineering.[1] The term is often used to denote "security cracker", since hackers most frequently appear in the news involving computer security breaches.
Hacking may refer to a number of activities, including:
- "Digital lock-picking", or (illegally) breaking into computer systems; this is also called "cracking", and is the most well known form of hacking
- Modifying software or hardware for extra functionality or performance
- Creating software or devices to solve problems
- Using an existing computer system in an unusual, clever way to solve a problem
- Staging pranks
Hackers act for a variety of reasons, ranging from curiosity and bragging rights to personal gain or vandalism. Hackers who act without malicious intent are termed "white hat hackers", and may act to counter the effects of criminal "black hat hackers".
Hackers is also the title of a 1995 film.[2]