Warez, 2600, hackerz, den, hideout, codez... If these terms are unfamiliar to you, you're either a surface surfer or a newbie, both of which simply mean you've not yet poked into any of the non-mainstream depths or "back rooms" of the web. These are commonly used words of the internet hacking culture. I've been giving myself an education on this aspect of the 'net, and I'm having some problems with some of the issues raised in these quarters.

Make no mistake here: I attribute no negative connotation to the work "hacker" in and of itself. If you think a hacker is someone who intentionally and maliciously breaks into someone's computer somewhere and trashes it, or who steals services or products by illegal means, then you're another victim of the mass media's uninformed hysteria and use of this term with only the slimmest understanding of what's really going on. Having been in the software development business for over twenty years, I can attest to the fact that a good programmer must by definition be a hacker at least to some degree. The nature of software design is problem-solving and finding a way to reach an end given the tools and environment at hand. Programmers who write good code are generally those who can poke and prod extensively into the systems in which they're working, who can be resourceful beyond complacent limitations, and who can make things happen when everyone else gives up or takes more plodding and expensive routes to these ends. This is why I appreciate the inquisitive and adventurous side of the hacker culture.

Many of the sites I've visited in this "Inner Circle" (as they like to call themselves) are extremely well designed pages. I can see that much work and detail has gone into them. I am torn, however, by some of their contents. I simply have no admiration for their efforts when I find things like "How to create Computer Viruses" or "How to Build Pipe Bombs", and so on. Liberal as I am, I'm in a quandry about this stuff. I'm a very strong supporter of freedom of speech on the 'net and everywhere else. I don't believe in government regulation of information or personal communications, and I'm extremely anti-censorship. So what's my problem? Yes, it's just information, and information has no negative or evil characteristics by itself, as many of the disclaimers on these sites are so happy to announce. Yes, it's what one would do with this information that could be evil or destructive, and that's out of the control of the provider of the information, as the warnings continue. I agree with this too. But let's be real here, guys. Anyone who claims to provide this information solely as a benign service to the intellectual online community is either fooling him/herself or telling outright lies. Those of us who write to the public are responsible for what we say, and this is the heart of the issue here.

I'm not advocating that these sites should be banned, or regulated, or prosecuted in any way. I'm simply questioning the motives of the authors. I know many are naïve kids who are impressed with themselves, and many others are skilled programmers who enjoy the challange of a good crack and like to share their prowess with an admiring public. The ease of anonymity on the 'net and the graffiti-like nature of home-pages add to the whole aura of anarchy as fun and games. But at whose expense is the fun being had?

Rather than make any judgement or pronouncement, I'd prefer to offer the following bit of whimsy as a means of perspective for the members of this "circle". It's not a challenge, or a threat, or a prediction. Just a hypothetical image to be considered.

Imagine that someone creates a site somewhere that describes how to find the real name, address, phone number, school name, family members, girl/boyfriend's name, sexual preferences, bank account numbers, and social security number of anyone who creates a site on the web, regardless of any means they use to disguise or hide themselves, or otherwise elude detection. They also include, just for illustrative purposes, your site name, and your real name, address, phone number, school, etc.. Remember, it's just information. Anyone who uses that information for malevolent purposes is acting on their own. It's not the fault of the person who posted your personal data. Right....?

Thanks for stopping by. I update this column a few times each month to discuss various issues ranging from software development to the meaning of life. Please check back soon.