Hacker vs. Cracker

Making a good point about this definition, this is worth reading: J. D. Biersdorfer/NYTimes: Q. What is the difference between a "hacker" and a "cracker"?
A. Although the term "hacker" has taken on negative connotations, it was once a flattering label reserved for those who could appreciate, operate and program computers. References to hackers and hacking in the computer culture are thought to date from the 1960's.

As noted in the third edition of The New Hacker's Dictionary (M.I.T. Press, 1996), Eric S. Raymond's compilation of computer-related jargon, a hacker is "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." The text also notes the original definition of the word: "someone who makes furniture with an ax."

Over the years, the term "hacker" came to be used to refer to people who used their knowledge of computers to break into other people's systems to steal data and passwords and wreak havoc.

Old-time hackers who do not condone such behavior refer to these intruders as crackers, but that usage has not gained wide recognition.

Other sources on this: Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution by Steven Levy (Anchor, 1984)
The Hacker Ethic by Pekka Himanen

I haven't read Hacker: Heroes, but I read the Hacker Ethic a few years ago and it's very good at defining the distinction between hackers and crackers. (Foreword by Manuel Castells.) I think the difference is important and usually try to note that in posts.

Posted by Mary Hodder at October 04, 2003 09:15 AM