Hacker

The term "hacker" refers to someone with a passion for some particular subject who works hard to become knowledgeable and proficient. Hackers collaborate with each other, share their knowledge and recognise each others' contributions.

Some writers and journalists confuse the term with "cracker" - a person who attempts to break the security of systems and do damage. Real hackers disapprove of such practices. The distinction is clarified further here in How To Become A Hacker.



Readings

 * Hacker Definition from the Jargon File.
 * Himanen, Pekka. 2001. The Hacker Ethic and the Spirit of the Information Age. Random House. ISBN 0-375-50566-0.
 * TORVALDS, Linus; David Diamond (2001). Just for Fun: The Story of an Accidental Revolutionary. London: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-662073-2.