Debate Topic: Hacking/Computer Virus Authors

[QuadShot]

This is a hacker: http://pathbridge.net/chikofsky/

This was one of my comp science teachers. The man is brilliant.

X, again, I stand corrected. Thanks. And that guy looks a bit like Steve Wozniak! :)

[QuadShot]

Who hasn't made a virus? I mean that's one of the first things you learn in programming. Nothing harmful, but simple self replicating code.

Me. I haven't made a virus. Well, unless you count that super flu I cooked up in my lab late one night! :)

Do you or have you done much programming?

X, no. I'm one of those wannabe computer people. I love computers and technology, but not smart enough to know how they really work or how to create.

Me too. Which is probably why we are getting these viruses so much, eh Quad?

Yep...too true. Which is partly why I switched to an iMac. Not as many of those nasty little demons! :)

[X]

Who hasn't made a virus? I mean that's one of the first things you learn in programming. Nothing harmful, but simple self replicating code.

Me. I haven't made a virus. Well, unless you count that super flu I cooked up in my lab late one night! :)

Do you or have you done much programming?

X, no. I'm one of those wannabe computer people. I love computers and technology, but not smart enough to know how they really work or how to create.

Me too. Which is probably why we are getting these viruses so much, eh Quad?

Yep...too true. Which is partly why I switched to an iMac. Not as many of those nasty little demons! :)

Just wait on that. As soon as Mac gets a large enough marketshare to make it worth their time, Macs will see far more hacking and virus issues than it does now, which is already pretty much on par with PC virus issues.

[QuadShot]

X, yeah, I agree. Sad too really. We have such awesome technology in this world that benefit all of us in so many positive ways. But, like I always say, introduce something pure and positive in this world and I guarantee someone will find a way to bastardize it. It's in our DNA really: the desire to destroy. Impromptu question for you and everyone else: why do you think people create destructive viruses, or attempt to destroy stuff?

[X]

X, yeah, I agree. Sad too really. We have such awesome technology in this world that benefit all of us in so many positive ways. But, like I always say, introduce something pure and positive in this world and I guarantee someone will find a way to bastardize it. It's in our DNA really: the desire to destroy. Impromptu question for you and everyone else: why do you think people create destructive viruses, or attempt to destroy stuff?

Honestly? I think it's less with destroying and more with conquering. Everyone wants to feel like a success and a winner at some point in their lives. Everyone, however briefly, wants the spotlight. I see these viruses as the ultimate "pay attention to me!" cry that we have seen in so many people in the world. In the end everyone wants to be successful in something and unfortunately, this is a case where destruction is far easier to achieve than innovation.

It can also be a bit of revenge in some cases. Imagine the lonely geek that has been physically and mentally bullied finally having a way to strike back with something that doesn't physically harm anyone. Sometimes our actions early in life create problems later in life.

[QuadShot]

X, yeah, I agree. Sad too really. We have such awesome technology in this world that benefit all of us in so many positive ways. But, like I always say, introduce something pure and positive in this world and I guarantee someone will find a way to bastardize it. It's in our DNA really: the desire to destroy. Impromptu question for you and everyone else: why do you think people create destructive viruses, or attempt to destroy stuff?

Honestly? I think it's less with destroying and more with conquering. Everyone wants to feel like a success and a winner at some point in their lives. Everyone, however briefly, wants the spotlight. I see these viruses as the ultimate "pay attention to me!" cry that we have seen in so many people in the world. In the end everyone wants to be successful in something and unfortunately, this is a case where destruction is far easier to achieve than innovation.

It can also be a bit of revenge in some cases. Imagine the lonely geek that has been physically and mentally bullied finally having a way to strike back with something that doesn't physically harm anyone. Sometimes our actions early in life create problems later in life.

I like that X...great answer. I tend to agree. I think most of the "harm" we humans do, computer viruses to shooting up a political function in Tucson and killing several people is designed to draw attention. "Here I Am!"

[KingIsaacLinksr]

People just want to be known, heard, seen, something to make them feel less lonely.  Something I can certainly understand...

King

[QuadShot]

People just want to be known, heard, seen, something to make them feel less lonely.  Something I can certainly understand...

King

Uh...should we be concerned?

[KingIsaacLinksr]

People just want to be known, heard, seen, something to make them feel less lonely.  Something I can certainly understand...

King

Uh...should we be concerned?

For them yes, not for me ;). 

King

[Jobydrone]

People just want to be known, heard, seen, something to make them feel less lonely.  Something I can certainly understand...

King

They should just join the forums here, for all the love and brotherhood anyone needs

[X]

People just want to be known, heard, seen, something to make them feel less lonely.  Something I can certainly understand...

King

Uh...should we be concerned?

For them yes, not for me ;). 

King

I can get that. When I was a wee lad, I did sports, drama, band, shop and programming in school. I was in most of the popular cliques and some of the not so popular ones. I also did my share of old school hacking with 2400 bps modems when everyone else was rocking the 600 bps. Hitting up BBSes and even knocking on the doors of a few USAF servers. Looking back, I see that all of my actions and choices were probably coming from the same source. I wanted to push myself and know more. Had I known then what I know now, I could have shaped my desire for knowledge into a better career path, but hindsight is what it is. I think that this is probably one of the key difference between the old and new guard.

So people did what they did to explore the fledgling digital universe and later generations are attempting to conquer it. We were the Lewis and Clarks, Marco Polos, and Cooks of the early world and now the world is filled with Cortezes, Napoleons, and Khans. People not interested in seeing what's on the other side for the wonder, but those that are trying to make their mark. If killing the natives off with small pox starts to happen, they don't see it as their problem.

[KingIsaacLinksr]

Heh, I was never part of the popular cliques.  As far as programming goes, I have very little experience. The closest is base HTML.  I did participate in bands all through High School. 

King

[QuadShot]

Heh, I was never part of the popular cliques.  As far as programming goes, I have very little experience. The closest is base HTML.  I did participate in bands all through High School. 

King

Programming? Heck, I can barely program my VCR! :)