I was addicted to hacking, more for the intellectual challenge, the curiosity, the seduction of adventure; not for stealing, or causing damage or writing computer viruses.

Back in my day, I would probe by hand. Now you can get commercial software that does the job for you.

I did get a huge endorphin rush when I was able to crack a system because it was like a video game.

No company that I ever hacked into reported any damages, which they were required to do for significant losses. Sun didn't stop using Solaris and DEC didn't stop using VMS.

Should we fear hackers? Intention is at the heart of this discussion.

It was used for decades to describe talented computer enthusiasts, people whose skill at using computers to solve technical problems and puzzles was - and is - respected and admired by others possessing similar technical skills.

Garbage can provide important details for hackers: names, telephone numbers, a company's internal jargon.