Hackers. Some have good intentions, others not so good. Some hack for knowledge, some for the thrill, or in most cases a combination of the two. Now you have your "white-hats" right. These types generally fit the original meaning of the word "hacker", an enthusiastic computer programmer or user who enjoys learning and exploring computer and network systems, and in turn gains a deep understanding of the subject. These types are often systems programmers or administrators, website administrators or security consultants.

On the other side you have the so called "black-hats". Hackers who try and gain unauthorized access to a computer or to data held on one. This is the most conventionally understood meaning of the term hacker as propagated in Hollywood films and tabloid newspapers.

Now, many people who consider themselves as representing the first definition regard the second group with suspicion, calling them "crackers", as they specialize in cracking system security. As it seems to me more and more people are moving in this direction when taking up the subject, which doesn't bother me as I myself would technically be a gray-hat (white with a bit of the dark-side), but what's disturbing is that many younger and newer hackers have no ethics. No rules of engangement, which defies a code of honor or respect set by hackers before them.