The meaning of the word “computer” appeared in the dictionary long before many knew what a computer was. However, in today’s society, most people need to know what a computer is as well as understanding how to use one.

Computers are gaining more and more popularity. Society has become increasingly dependent on them. Everyone at some point in life will interact directly or indirectly with a computer. Computers can be used almost anywhere and are becoming increasingly useful and helpful in everyday activities. Computers make people feel confident and secure. With a computer, one can buy products, pay bills, book an airline flight, and perform a variety of transactions from bank accounts and investment firms. Computers also allow for the storage and retrieval of large amounts of important information and data through the use of a hard drive. This is the part of a computer where all data is kept.

The hard drive of a computer is the most valuable part and if not properly safeguarded, can be damaged an/or destroyed by a variety of hazards. It could be anything from human negligence, natural disasters, or an invasion by one of the most common problems of compu

“ There are two main types of virus writers, people whose main purpose is to create havoc for the computer user doing everything possible to spread their viruses. Then there are the people who aren’t interested in spreading their viruses but rather creating them as mental exercise that involves figuring out better ways to evade detection or further empower their programming skills. The latter will often be composed of software engineers and highly skilled programmers while the primary tends to be a younger age group who are relatively unskilled in comparison” (Rosenbaum, Ron. 1971 pp.116-125)

The world now relies upon computer systems in ways never before thought of. Computers have already become more of a necessity rather than a luxury. Some necessities include data storage and retrieval, business transactions, purchasing, stock trading, etc. However, as long as society depends on computer systems for these reasons, the CU will continue to coexist.

A computer hacker could be defined as an individual, associated with the computer underground, who specializes in obtaining unauthorized access to computer systems. Hacking refers to gaining access and exploring computer systems and networks. Hacking includes both the act and the methods used to obtain valid user accounts on computer systems. Hacking also refers to the activity that occurs once access to another computer has been obtained. Since the system is being used without authorization, the hacker does not have access to the usual operating manuals and other resources that are available to legitimate users. Therefore, the hacker must experiment with commands and explore various files in order to understand and effectively use the system. The goal is to explore and experiment with the system that has been entered. By examining files and little clever programming, the hacker may be able to obtain protected information or more powerful access privileges. Once a hacker has managed to gain access to a computer system, one will generally try to make sure that these activities are kept hidden. This ensures that all traces of unauthorized access remain undetected and allow future access on the system. This is the main difference between hacker and cracker. Unlike the hacker, a cracker is only really interested in gaining access or “cracking” the machine/system. Once the feat is accomplished, the cracker will usually become disinterested and leave. Crackers are sometimes called the tourist of the hacking element. (Levy, 1984. p.7)

Another role in the computer underground is that of the phone phreak. Phone phreaking, usually called just phreaking, was widely publicized when the exploits of John “Cap’n Crunch” Draper, the father of phreaking, were publicized in a 1971 Esquire Magazine article. The term phreaking consists of several different menas of getting around the billing mechanisms of telephone companies. By using these methods, long distance phone calls can be placed without the cost. In many cases the methods also prevent, or at least reduce, the possibility of calls being traced to the proper source, thereby helping the phreaker avoid being caught. Early phreaking methods involved electro-mechanical devices that generated key tones or altered line voltages in certain ways so as to trick the mechanical switches of the phone company into connecting calls without charging. This method of phreaki

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