Being called a 'hacker' by ones peers is still considered a compliment in many circles (other than the cyber-punk wannabe script-kiddie set). I still consider myself a 'hacker' of hardware, software, and systems. On the other hand, I would never allow myself to be branded a 'cracker' at any time, by any one. Paul Nuernberger Manager BARON Computers, Inc. -----Original Message----- From: Jim Harrison [mailto:jim@xxxxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Monday, October 01, 2001 4:47 PM To: [ISAserver.org Discussion List] Subject: [isalist] RE: Attorney General Ashcroft to Hackers You're an Enemy of the State http://www.ISAserver.org I have to agree; hackers are not terrorists. They're a lower form of life. "Hackers" (or sometimes, "crackers") is the generally-accepted term used to define those who, for no reason other than to say "I did it", willingly and with malice aforethought, cause damage to data and property, both private and public. "Terrorists" generally have some political or religious motivating force behind them and usually seek no more recognition than that provided by their peers or their deity of choice. I once called myself a "hacker" until the popular media perverted it into something negative (actually rewrote my Kaypro-4 BIOS to support a real-time clock and a 10MB Shugart SASI drive). There was once a time when being called a "hacker" was one of the higher compliments paid by one's peers. No more. Jim Harrison MCP(2K), A+, Network+, PCG