Definition of a Hacker

After reading through a CNN article today revolving around "hacking", I figured I would clarify the true definition of a hacker.


When people misuse the term "Hacker", I cringe. The term hacker has come to mean the evil persons in the world attacking websites or shutting down servers. This, by NO means, is the definition of a hacker. The true definition of a hacker is someone who analyzes and utilizes various forms of knowledge to solve a common problem. This doesn't even have to be computer related! Finding loopholes in internet security is known as a cracker. Crackers are commonly mistaken for hackers. Where as all crackers are hackers, not all hackers are crackers. Even when the term "hacker" or "cracker" is used, it is most often used to label what are known as "Black Hats". Black Hat Hackers are hackers whom use their hacking/cracking ability and knowledge to bypass security for destructive/intrusive purposes. The "White Hat" hacker is the security administrator who uses their hacking knowledge to protect a network from malicious attacks by Black Hats.


CNN Hacker Article

Why the iPad will Fail...

The iPad, announced back in January has received some good and bad press over the last few months. So what makes this device so controversial. It's sleek, shiny, and has support for millions of apps already available via the App Store. So what are we missing here? It's thinner than any notebook and has the largest touch screen of almost any device... but for the $500+ price tag, it lacks in some very important features. The iPad has no room for expansion, no USB available, is still running the same Safari from the iPod touch prevents any flash sites from being viewed, and in the end, it doesn't bring anything new to the table. The oversized iPod Touch is simply that... an oversized iPod Touch. For anyone interested in tablet computers, there are a few Android-based devices going to be available soon. Expect them to be cheaper and have the standard expansion you would expect from a non-Apple device.

Life Goal: Grad School

Nothing says "I'm smarter than you," than attending MIT, the most prestigious school in the U.S. Thus, I have decided as a Life Goal, to do everything in my power, to attend MIT. Grades are important, but doing something outside of school is the real trick to achieving my goal. Yes, I can build computers and write code in a half dozen languages, but I must master something or create something that could change the IT world. I would enjoy making advancements in the programming field, creating ubreakable algorithms, or inventing something amazing. Challenge accepted!