yes. it is somebody who can access networks, software, database, etc. when they aren't granted to proper access rights.

isnt it someone that trys to get into comp or personal life

It's someone who modifies code/programs. The typical image of a hacker as someone who exploits websites/credit cards is incorrect. That is a cracker. Fo reals.

Yes. So do you: # Unauthorized user who attempts to or gains access to an information system. # A person who enjoys exploring the details of computers and how to stretch their capabilities. A malicious or inquisitive meddler who tries to discover information by poking around. A person who enjoys learning the details of programming systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users who prefer to learn on the minimum necessary. # A slang term for a computer enthusiast. Among professional programmers, the term hacker implies an amateur or a programmer who lacks formal training. Depending on how it used, the term can be either complimentary or derogatory, although it is developing an increasingly derogatory connotation. # Originally, a hacker was a term of respect, used among computer programmers, designers, and engineers. The hacker was one who created original and ingenious programs. Unfortunately, the current popular meaning of the term is used to describe those who break into systems, destroy data, steal copyrighted software, and perform other destructive or illegal acts with computers and networks. # Originally used to describe a computer enthusiast who pushed a system to its highest performance through clever programming. # The dictionary defines "hacker" as a slang term describing a person who carries out or manages something successful. A hacker is someone who spends many hours with the computer often successfully operating it by trial and error without first referring to the manual. A hacker is often a technical person in the computer field, such as assembly language programmer or systems programmer. Today the term hacker has taken on a negative meaning. # The term 'hacker' has been abused by the media to give a negative connotation - of someone who engages in breaking into computers. In fact 'hacker' within the subculture of computing has a positive connotation, meaning someone who is technologically adept with computers, electronics or any other technical specialism. In the computer subculture those who break into computer systems are referred to as 'crackers'. # According to The New Hacker's Dictionary a hacker is a clever computer programmer, who does not necessarily engage in illegal activities. In the media, a Hacker refers to a person who illegally break in or attempts to break into a computer system. See Cracker. # A highly proficient computer programmer who seeks to gain unauthorised access to systems without malicious intent. # Slang term for a technically sophisticated computer user who enjoys exploring computer systems and programs, sometimes to the point of obsession. # A person who understand the "ins and outs" of computers, networks, and the Internet in general. They term generally refers to a person who has intent to access a computer system without authorisation. # A person who delves into software more deeply than an average PC user. Hackers are often seen as "White hats" or "Black hats." White hat hackers help fix badly written software programs and write new programs for the greater good of the computing community. Black hats modify or create software for criminal purposes such as stealing your passwords, your identity, your bank account or simply to slow the Internet down to no one's amusement but themselves. You get the idea. :-)

A hacker is often someone who creates and modifies computer software or computer hardware, including computer programming, administration, and security-related items. A hacker is also someone who modifies electronics, for example, ham radio transceivers, printers or even home sprinkler systems to get extra functionality or performance. The term usually bears strong connotations, but may be either favorable or denigrating depending on cultural context (see the hacker definition controversy). In computer programming, a hacker is a software designer and programmer who builds elegant, beautiful programs and systems. A hacker can also be a programmer who hacks or reaches a goal by employing a series of modifications to exploit or extend existing code or resources. For some, "hacker" has a negative connotation and refers to a person who "hacks" or uses kludges to accomplish programming tasks that are ugly, inelegant, and inefficient. This pejorative form of the noun "hack" is even used incorrectly among users of the positive sense of "hacker". In computer security, a hacker is a person who specializes in work with the security mechanisms for computer and network systems. While including those who endeavor to strengthen such mechanisms, it is more often used by the mass media and popular culture to refer to those who seek access despite them. In other technical fields, hacker is extended to mean a person who makes things work beyond perceived limits through their own technical skill, such as a hardware hacker, or reality hacker. In hacker culture, a hacker is a person who has attained a certain social status and is recognized among members of the culture for commitment to the culture's values and a certain amount of technical knowledge. THERE HAPPY!!?!?!?!?

Hacker is one who changes/creates the computer language code. If I change the code of my Linux kernel, then you can call me "HACKER". yeah I do. :D

hackers in the beginning actualy worked for network security. Crackers were the ones that we think of as hackers now. A missprint in a news paper article gave them the names that they have now.

There's quite a bit of debate on the meaning of this word. Originally, it meant a bit like what geek means now. It did not have negative connotations. The meaning of the word has changed though! Many people who liked the original meaning aren't happy about this. They will tell you what the true meaning of the word is. However, we must remember that the minority doesn't control a words "true" meaning. The meaning can change! Now a hacker means someone who can break into systems, with the ethics being designated by the "hat" associated. White hat being good, black being bat, grey being in-between obviously. Sorry to all those who hang on to the old meaning... The word changed, get over it! Just as the word "gay" no longer means "happy" like it once did, hacker has changed too.