Computer Hackers

Paper Summary:

The paper offers an overview of hackers and the quantity of hacks as well as the different aspects of hacker culture. The paper shows how the increased use of computing technology and the ever-expanding nature of the Internet has led to new and greater opportunities for hackers. The paper learns that this male-dominated culture is based in secrecy, despite the need to relinquish this secrecy in order to gain community status, anonymity and a love for technology. The paper relates that curiosity as well as a desire for power leads many to hacking, and as technology increases, this curiosity will only continue to grow.

Outline;
Abstract
Facets of the Hacker Culture
Forecast 4
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Due to the nature of an underground community, like hackers, it is often difficult to acquire specific data on their demographics. In the early 1990s, following an American police crackdown, it was estimated, by Sterling, that there were approximately 5,000 active hackers, with approximately 100 who were skilled enough to be able to penetrate sophisticated systems. During this same time frame, though, researchers Clough and Mungo had surmised there were 2,000 that were in the upper echelons of skilled hackers and 10,000 more that were aspiring to reach this status (cited Holt, 2007). However, these are just estimates. A better estimation of the quantity of hackers can be found by investigating the number of hacks."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Best, K. (Dec 2003). The hacker's challenge. Social Semiotics, 13(3). Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Best, K. (Oct 2006). Visceral hacking or packet wanking? Culture, Theory & Critique, 47(2). Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Castellucio, M. (Oct 2003). Co-opting the hacker culture. Strategic Finance, 85(4). Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Business Source Complete database.
• Holt, T. (Mar/Apr 2007). Subcultural evolution? Deviant Behavior, 28(2). Retrieved March 20, 2008, from socINDEX database.
• O'Neill, M. (Jun 2006). Rebels for the system? Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, 20(2). Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.

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