What is on Your Mind?

I agree with the earlier post that mentioned that the term "hacker" as a positive term for software engineering, is long dead. Hacking is unprofessional, often malicious and unlawful activities (as far as software and IT goes). Maybe two decades ago, hacking was often a positive term, but there are way way too many professional, expert, amazing good software engineers in 2018 and to glorify the term "hacking" is to debase all the great, highly talented and skillful IT professionals in the world.

That's my view, whatever it's worth.

IMO not entirely true, AudioScope Project. is probably one of the biggest hacks you have on here... ;oD
It bends a few bash scripting rules... <wink>

But yes, 'tis true hack(ing)(er) is now generally a derogatory term and anyone asking for help to access systems without the required permissions is asking for trouble on here and certainly would not get any help. The same as people asking for reverse-engineering advice to gain access to systems will get the same cold shoulder.

Bazza...

You're the first user in a forum I ever met, who really read the Forum rules!

Why are you calling it "hacking"?

Are you engaging in criminal activity?

That is what the word means.

That's what it's meant for 30 years.

Yes... it also has been clear at the unix.com forums for 20 of those 30 years.

We do not support "hacking" which means "illegal activity of any kind including software piracy, breaking into systems without authorization, yadda yadda yadda...)\

Doing "creative legal things" is not "hacking"... hacking is illegal or unethical related activity; and has been that way for unix.com in our rules since 2000.

Well the confusion is most likely my fault. I have encountered the term hacking in various documentation inside the Linux kernel; usually in reference to altering drivers or kernel code. So I believe I was the only one who was genuinely confused; like I said, I am new to Linux.

The fight over the term has been long and bitter. Some places have attempted to revive its positive use. But if you ask an average person what 'hacking' means, you know what they will say.