Frequently Asked Questions about hackers and hacking

Q:
What is hacking?
A:
Hacking is the practice of modifying the features of a system, in order to accomplish a goal outside of the creator's original purpose
Q:
What is computer hacking?
A:
Computer hacking is the most popular form of hacking nowadays, especially in the field of computer security, but hacking exists in many other forms, such as phone hacking, brain hacking, etc. and it's not limited to either of them.

Q:
What is the opinion of people about hackers?
A:
Due to the mass attention given to blackhat hackers from the media, the whole hacking term is often mistaken for any security related cyber crime.

Q:What is the hacker mind set?
A:
The hacker mind-set is not confined to this software-hacker culture. There are people who apply the hacker attitude to other things, like electronics or music  actually, you can find it at the highest levels of any science or art.

Q:
What makes a difference between hackers and crackers?
A:
The basic difference is this: hackers build things, crackers break them
Q:
What does it takes to become an hacker?
A:
Becoming a hacker will take intelligence, practice, dedication, and hard work. Therefore, you have to learn to distrust attitude and respect competence of every kind.

Q:
When do you have to start? Is it too late for me to learn?
A:
Any age at which you are motivated to start is a good age. Most people seem to get interested between ages 15 and 26, but I know of exceptions in both directions.

Q:
How long will it take me to learn to hack?
A:
That depends on how talented you are and how hard you work at it. Most people who try can acquire a respectable skill set in eighteen months to two years, if they concentrate. Don't think it ends there, though; in hacking (as in many other fields) it takes about ten years to achieve mastery. And if you are a real hacker, you will spend the rest of your life learning and perfecting your craft.
Q:
what is it like being an hacker?
A:
Being a hacker is lots of fun, but it's a kind of fun that takes lots of effort. The effort takes motivation. Successful athletes get their motivation from a kind of physical delight in making their bodies perform, in pushing themselves past their own physical limits. Similarly, to be a hacker you have to get a basic thrill from solving problems, sharpening your skills, and exercising your intelligence.
Q:
What do hackers do?
Hackers solve problems and build things, and they believe in freedom and voluntary mutual help. To be accepted as a hacker, you have to behave as though you have this kind of attitude yourself.