Term of the Moment
beta test
Definition: hack
As a noun, a hack is source code in a program. For example, the phrase "it must be done through a hack" means someone has to write programming code to solve the problem because there is no pre-written software that does the job.
You're Not Supposed To!
A hack may refer to changes made to electronic devices that were never designed to be modified, such as a video game console, music player, set-top box or cellphone.
Good and Not Good
Depending on context, a hack can be good or very bad. For example, a hack is typically an intentional fix or modification to a system, but "hacked" has a negative meaning. A person or system being hacked means information has been stolen or changed or malware has been installed. See attack, hacker and hackathon.
Geek Humor
Hacks Galore
Hack Everything!
You're Not Supposed To!
A hack may refer to changes made to electronic devices that were never designed to be modified, such as a video game console, music player, set-top box or cellphone.
Good and Not Good
Depending on context, a hack can be good or very bad. For example, a hack is typically an intentional fix or modification to a system, but "hacked" has a negative meaning. A person or system being hacked means information has been stolen or changed or malware has been installed. See attack, hacker and hackathon.
From "The Best of The Joy of Tech" cartoon book by Nitrozac and Snaggy (O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2003). (Image courtesy of GeekCulture.)
The term is often used to refer to any tip or technique for improving performance or configuring hardware or software; witness these titles from O'Reilly Media, Inc.
"The Big Book of Hacks" offers imaginative hacks from turning an old netbook into a tablet to boosting Wi-Fi with a vegetable steamer. Also included are how to make fridge magnets from a hard drive and a dipole antenna from a closet hanger. See life hack.