Hacker:

1. A person who enjoys learning the details of computer systems and how to stretch their capabilities
- as opposed to most users of computers, who prefer to learn only the minimum amount necessary.

2.One who programs enthusiastically or who enjoys programming rather than just theorizing about programming.

An excerpt from: Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution by Steven Levy

• Access to computers and anything which might teach you.
• something about the way the world works should be unlimited and total.
• Always yield to the Hands-On imperative.
• All information should be free.
• Mistrust Authority. Promote Decentralization.
• Hackers should be judged by their hacking, not bogus criteria such as degrees, age, race, or position.
• You can create art and beauty on a computer.
• Computers can change your life for the better.