While many would assume that hacking is a rather recent phenomenon, the practice has a rather long and varied history. Since the turn of the century, the meaning of the term hacker has evolved. A subculture has grown up around the practitioners and this has seeped into popular culture over the last two decades. As information technology continues to play an increasingly important role in our society so will the hacker continue to make his presence felt. 

	Prehistory (1878-1969): From the Turn of the Century to the Dawn of the Information Age Bell's Invention Computer Geniuses
	Phreakers (1970s): The Origins of a Hacker Subculture More than Free Phone Calls Captain Crunch From Phreakers to Hackers
	The Golden Age (1980-1985): All Fun and War Games PCs and the Evolution of Hacking War Games A Growing Subculture The Hacker Credo
	Criminal Behaviour (1985-1990): Theft, Bugs and the Long Arm of the Law Legislation When Access Is Not Enough Viruses, Worms and Trojans
	Crackdown (1990s): Combating the Perceived Hacker Threat Operation Sundevil The Two Kevins Hackers in Popular Culture
	2000+: Hacking Today and Tomorrow New Trends and Continuing Patterns
	Resources Bibliography Linked Resources Image Resources Endnotes

Questions or comments can be forwarded to the author, Jordana Heaton.

Submitted on December 8, 2000 in completion of the requirements for LIBR 500.

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