The only magazine that I currently subscribe to is 2600. It's not a glossy magazine, and most of the articles are contributed by readers. I do not read it because I want to "hack" into people's computers, nor do I think that such behavior is cool.

As the editors of 2600 are quick to point out, the media is always exploiting the term "hacker". The original meaning of the word was simply to describe someone that approaches computers with an insatiable curiosity.

When using a computer, there are many times when we run into walls of what is possible. You may want to perform a certain task in a certain way, but find that you can't. A normal person would simply accept such restrictions. A hacker is that special person who will spend extra time to find a way. Most people are content to use computers for daily applications: send a few emails, type a document, balance a spreadsheet. A hacker does all of these things, but also seeks to understand how they are possible, what makes them work, and how to get around the limitations of the hardware and the software.

Someone who breaks into a computer to steal information, invade privacy or perform malicious acts is more appropriately referred to as a "cracker".

I enjoy reading 2600 magazine not because it is especially useful. I enjoy it because I find its articles stimulating, fascinating, and apt to open up new realms of technical thinking that I cannot find from any other source. Beyond the technical, I appreciate the spirit of the writers as independent thinkers, purveyors of free speech and challengers of the status quo.

The 2600 website is, in my opinion, overdue for a renovation. It looks ugly. It does occasionally have some interesting news on the front page, and there are some archived radio broadcasts for online listening.

If you are a serious geek, look for this mag on the newsstand, or subscribe.