================================================ Subject: Was - Another one for Win2K and NT users.. Now - Virus != Hacker From: "]\\[][G}{T§TÖ®]v[" To: Date: Tue 7 Aug 2001 15:13:20 -0400 ================================================ You think I don't know that? It's not a hacker that uses a virus to compromise computer security and gain access to systems... that's a "lamer". A "hacker" that uses a backdoor isn't a hacker... in fact, he's a laughing stock among real hackers. Of course, real hackers don't go around just to destroy computers. The small write-up is borrowed from a friend's website, and explains a slight difference between a hacker, and a "hacker" that uses virii and backdoors to access systems... "There is another group of people who loudly call themselves hackers, but aren't. These are people (mainly adolescent males) who get a kick out of breaking into computers and phreaking the phone system. Real hackers call these people `crackers' and want nothing to do with them. Real hackers mostly think crackers are lazy, irresponsible, and not very bright, and object that being able to break security doesn't make you a hacker any more than being able to hotwire cars makes you an automotive engineer. Unfortunately, many journalists and writers have been fooled into using the word `hacker' to describe crackers; this irritates real hackers no end. The basic difference is this: hackers build things, crackers break them." -Eric Steven Raymond It was taken from the Hacker definition at http://www.dict.org/bin/Dict?Form=Dict2&Database=*&Query=hacker Another example of what a hacker really is... From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (13 Mar 01) : hacker (Originally, someone who makes furniture with an axe) 1. 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. 2. One who programs enthusiastically (even obsessively) or who enjoys programming rather than just theorizing about programming. 3. A person capable of appreciating hack value. 4. A person who is good at programming quickly. 5. 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.) 6. An expert or enthusiast of any kind. One might be an astronomy hacker, for example. 7. One who enjoys the intellectual challenge of creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations. 8. (Deprecated) A malicious meddler who tries to discover sensitive information by poking around. Hence "password hacker", "network hacker". The correct term is cracker. The term "hacker" also tends to connote membership in the global community defined by the net (see The Network and Internet address). It also implies that the person described is seen to subscribe to some version of the hacker ethic. It is better to be described as a hacker by others than to describe oneself that way. Hackers consider themselves something of an elite (a meritocracy based on ability), though one to which new members are gladly welcome. Thus while it is gratifying to be called a hacker, false claimants to the title are quickly labelled as "{bogus" or a "{wannabee}". 9. (University of Maryland, rare) A programmer who does not understand proper programming techniques and principles and doesn't have a Computer Science degree. Someone who just bangs on the keyboard until something happens. For example, "This program is nothing but spaghetti code. It must have been written by a hacker". Anyway, I'm way off topic now, so I'll just end this on the final note that if you get sent a virus, it's not a hacker... it's just another lamer with too much time on their hands. Kinda off-subject... does anyone have a copy of the joke where it proves that the Windows Operating System is a virus? I used to have it, but can't find it now... {=o/ ¤]\[][G}{T§TÖ®]v[¤ http://NightStorm.isyourgod.com/ NightStorm_Draco_@hotmail.com NightStorm_Draco@creedlist.com NightStorm@isyourgod.com I've seen the wicked fruit of your vine, Destroy the man who lacks a strong mind Human pride sings a vengeful song Inspired by the times you've been walked on My stage is shared by many millions, Who lift their hands up high because they feel this We are one We are strong, The more you hold us down the more we press on What if you did? What if you lied? What if I avenge? What if eye for an eye? ----- Original Message ----- From: Kevin L. Brown To: Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2001 2:42 PM Subject: Re: Another one for Win2K and NT users > That's because hackers don't need worms and viruses to gain access to your > machine. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "]\[][G}{T§TÖ®]v[" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2001 10:03 AM > Subject: Another one for Win2K and NT users > > > > Geez... makes me glad that I'm too damn stubborn to bother upgrading my > > version of Windows... thinking my next upgrade is going to be to a > dual-boot > > system running Linux. Hardly ever see a virus warning for that OS. > > -NightStorm To unsubscribe or change your preferences for the Creed-Discuss list, visit: http://www.winduplist.com/ls/discuss/form.asp