Although most software hacks aspire to the
same spirit of elegance and simplicity, the software
medium offers less chance for reversibility.
Dismantling a police cruiser is easy compared with
dismantling an idea, especially an idea whose time has
come. Hence the growing distinction between "black hat"
and "white hat"-i.e., hackers who turn new ideas toward
destructive, malicious ends versus hackers who turn new
ideas toward positive or, at the very least,
informative ends.
Once a vague item of obscure student jargon, the word
"hacker" has become a linguistic billiard ball, subject
to political spin and ethical nuances. Perhaps this is
why so many hackers and journalists enjoy using it.
Where that ball bounces next, however, is anybody's guess.
Appendix C GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL)
GNU Free Documentation License Version 1.1, March 2000
Copyright (C) 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 59
Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA
Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim
copies of this license document, but changing it is not
allowed.
Pages:
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416