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?
