Cracker vs Hacker
Computer cracker A computer cracker is an outdated term to describe someone who broke into computer systems, bypassed passwords or licenses in computer programs, or intentionally breached computer security. Computer crackers were motivated by malicious intent, for-profit, or just because the challenge was there. Cracker vs Hacker The antiquated phrase computer cracker is not used anymore. It was originally proposed as an antonym, or the opposite, of the term hacker . Hackers initially applied to only those who used their computing skills without malicious intent -- they broke into systems to identify or solve technical issues. Skillful technologists with altruistic motives were called hackers ; those with bad intent were called computer crackers . This distinction never gained much traction, however. In 1993, the Internet Users' Glossary defined a hacker as "a person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the intern...