Computer hacking involves modifying hardware and software to achieve a goal outside the creator’s original purpose. Some hackers are employed by companies to find security holes, while others have less noble motives. It’s important to protect your computer with a firewall and regular software updates.
Computer hacking is the practice of modifying computer hardware and software to achieve a goal outside the creator’s original purpose. People who engage in hacking activities are often called hackers. Since the word “hack” has long been used to describe someone who is incompetent in his profession, some hackers claim that this term is offensive and fail to adequately acknowledge his skills.
Computer hacking is most common among teenagers and young adults, although there are many older hackers as well. Many hackers are true tech enthusiasts who enjoy learning more about how computers work and consider computer hacking to be an “art” form. They often enjoy programming and have expert-level skills in a particular program. For these individuals, computer hacking is a real-life application of their problem-solving skills. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, not an opportunity to harm others.
Because a large number of hackers are self-taught prodigies, some companies actually employ computer hackers as part of their technical support staff. These individuals use their skills to find holes in the company’s security system so they can be fixed quickly. In many cases, this type of hacking helps prevent identity theft and other serious computer crimes.
Computer hacking can also lead to other constructive technological developments, since many of the skills hacking develops apply to more traditional activities. For example, former hackers Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson went on to create the UNIX operating system in the 1970s. This system had a huge impact on the development of Linux, a free UNIX-like operating system. Shawn Fanning, the creator of Napster, is another hacker known for his achievements outside of computer hacking.
Compared to those who develop an interest in computer hacking out of simple intellectual curiosity, some hackers have less noble motives. Hackers who seek to steal personal information, change a company’s financial data, break security codes to gain unauthorized network access, or conduct other destructive activities are sometimes called “crackers.” This type of hacking can earn you a trip to federal prison for up to 20 years.
If you are interested in protecting your home computer from malicious hackers, it is highly recommended that you invest in a good firewall. It’s also a good idea to check your software programs regularly for updates. For example, Microsoft offers a number of free security patches for its Internet Explorer browser.
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