Wednesday
Dec172008
Random Text File Wednesday
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 11:44AM Agrippa: A Book of the Dead - A collaboration between author [William
Gibson], publisher Kevin Begos Jr, and artist Dennis Ashbaugh.
This art-work contains engravings by Ashbaugh which appear or
disappear in light and an on-disk semi-autobiographical poem
by [William Gibson] which is unreadable after having been read
once. Agrippa is notable because in many respects it blurs
the lines about what art is, and adds fuel to the fire on
issues of property rights and intellectual property. A
highlight of 1992 was the release of Gibson's poem on to the
[net].
Artificial Life - man-made systems that exhibit characteristics
associated with the concept of "life".
Artificial Reality - similar to [virtual reality], but more
interactive, with the participant being part of, not just
experiencing, the artificial environment.
BBSes - electronic Bulletin Board Systems. Begun in the late 70's, a
form of [virtual community] existing in [cyberspace] where
participants (usually using aliases) may send and receive
public and private messages to each other on any topic
imaginable, transfer software (copyrighted and/or public
domain), play on-line games, etc. There is the "over-ground"
BBS world where aliases are less common and illegal activities
are avoided in discussion, and the [{computer} underground]
where illegal activities and discussions are very common,
members use aliases, and illegal information and/or software
is exchanged.
Boxing - A variety of electronic devices used to aid in [phreaking].
The original was the blue box, used from the mid 60's to the
mid 80's, which allowed long distance phone calls to be made
for free. A variety of other similar instruments
accomplishing different tasks have been developed, some
purely comical, some quite practical.
CC fraud - Credit Card or Calling Card fraud. common in the
[computer underground] community.
Chaos Theory - science revolving around simplistic equations
involving a large number of variables. Gave rise to
[fractals], a form of [cyberdelic] art. For further info on
the subject, James Gleick's "Chaos: Making a New Science" is
suggested.
C0dez Doodz - Essentialy a [phreaker]'s version of [pirates]. People
who seek out telco codes to be used to gain long distance (ld)
telephone calls without paying for them. Scurge of the
[computer underground].
Computer Underground - "A group organized in secrecy, hidden behind
aliases, to promote the free exchange of information
regarding anything and everything including, but not limited
to: computers, telephones, radios, chemicals, and ideas."
(thanx to The Butler for this definition)
The mainstay of communication for the computer underground is
[cyberspace], more specifically [BBSes]. The computer
underground is comprised of [hackers], [phreakers],
[piraters], anarchists, and other [cyberpunks].
CP - see [cyberpunk].
Cryonics - The fringe science of freezing a person's head or whole
body after death, in the hopes that in the future they may be
revived and brought back to life.
Cyber- - A prefix taken from [cybernetics] generally used in popular
culture to mean anything that is technologically oriented.
Cyberdeck - Term originated by [William Gibson] to refer to a
computer used by [deck cowboys] that can connect to the
[matrix].
Cyberdelic - "Cyber-art". Examples include [fractals],
computer-generated pictures and/or music, [virtual worlds],
etc.
Cybernetics - The study of communication systems in living organisms
and machines, the mathematical analysis of the flow of
information.
Cyberpunk - Begun as a literary movement in the 80's, an off-shoot of
normal science fiction. Unique in that it generally occurs
in the present or not so distant future, the characters are
often considered "punks" (social deviants) and technology,
(the cyber aspect), is prominent. "Neuromancer" by [William
Gibson], published in 1984, is considered by most to be the
"bible" of cyberpunk. Another prominent author is [Bruce
Sterling], editor of another worthy cyberpunk collection,
"Mirrorshades". Other examples of cyberpunk include Max
Headroom (tv show) and Blade Runner (movie). Cyberpunk is
special in that it has evolved from a purely literary movement
to a realistic subculture. Many "techno-punks" (ie:
[hackers]) are considered cyberpunks. Other contributing
factors to the cyberpunk subculture include: virtual reality,
hallucinogenic and [nootropic] drugs, and industrial and punk
music. For an in-depth, detailed look at cyberpunk fiction
and cyberpunk culture, "Storming the Reality Studio", ed. by
Larry McCaffery is suggested.
Cyberspace - "The electronic frontier." A completely virtual
environment: the sum total of all [BBSes], computer networks,
and other [virtual communities]. Unique in that it is
constantly being changed, exists only virtually, can be
practically infinite in "size", communication occurs
instantaneously world-wide - physical location is completely
irrelevant most of the time. Some include video and telephone
transmissions as part of cyberspace.
Deck Cowboys - Futuristic version of a computer [hacker] or a
modern-day [cyberpunk].
Electronic Frontier Foundation - (EFF). Organization founded by
Mitch Kapor (of Lotus fame) and John Perry Barlow (writer and
Grateful Dead songwriter) to establish laws for [cyberspace]
and apply the constitution to [virtual communities].
Flame - disagreement occuring in [cyberspace]. Common on [Usenet].
Fractals - Images created using [chaos theory]. A mish-mash of
colors presented in a pattern that repeats itself many times
over. A popular type of fractal image is one created using
the "Mandlebrot set". Fractals are considered [cyberdelic]
art.
Gibson, William - Considered by most to be the "father" of
[cyberpunk], along with [Bruce Sterling]. His works include
the infamous "Neuromancer", "Count Zero", "Mona Lisa
Overdrive" (these 3 works are known as the [sprawl] series),
"The Difference Engine" with which he was co-author with [Bruce
Sterling], and "Burning Chrome" a collection of short
stories. Hist latest work is a poem in "[Agrippa: A Book of the
Dead]". Gibson says he will no longer be writing the "classic"
[cyberpunk] novels he is famous for. His next work is entitled
"Virtual Light" and is futuristic fiction.
Grep - search, or scan.
Hacker - 60's (1st) generation (orig. MIT): one who tinkers with
software, electronics, computer hardware, etc. 80's (2nd)
[WarGames] generation: one who enters computer systems
without permission with either malicious or non-malicious
intent, to gain, alter, or destroy information (labelled as
[crackers] by the 60's generation). 90's (3rd) generation:
often called [cyberpunks], mostly non-malicious [crackers]
interested in information for the sake of information, and
not hacking for the sake of the hack - sometimes calling
themselves "information liberators", they have re-adopted
more of the original hacker ethic of the 60's which states
mainly "all information should be free", "access to computers
should be unlimited and total" and "promote decentralization".
This new, 3rd generation is commonly associated with the
computer underground, despite its mostly non-malicious intent.
Industrial - A subculture revolving around industrial music, a
collection of mostly electronically created sounds and
samples that results in a fierce explosion of sound labelled
by many as "the new punk". This subculture is generally
anti-political, anti-aesthetic in nature.
Internet - A large and very popular world-wide computer network
begun by the Defense Department in the 60's that connects
educational institutions, corporations, organizations, and
military and government installations around the globe.
Some organizations exist that offer access to the Internet to
the general public for an hourly/monthly/yearly fee. See the
"BBSes" section of this article for more info, particularly
those BBSes listed with "public access unix" next to them.
Suggested are places like the [WELL], [MindVox], Nyx (which is
free of cost), NetCom, etc. Many Internet users partake in
reading and contributing to [Usenet], playing [MUD]s, FTPing
text files and programs free of charge at the various FTP
sites, and 'telnet'ing to other Internet sites. Because of
its accessibility at a relatively low cost, size (the largest
computer network in the world), connectivity, and infinite
amounts of information, many network users prefer the Internet
to such services as CompuServe (often called Compu$erve on
the Internet) or Prodigy (which is more restricting in its
content). The Internet has something to offer for everyone.
Other portions of this file such as the suggested newsgroups
list, list of FTP sites, and list of 'telnet'able services and
sites, should be very helpful to the new Internet user. Once
you gain access to the Internet, it is suggested that you read
the 'news.announce.newusers' and 'news.newusers.questions'
and 'news.answers' newsgroups on [Usenet]. You might also want
to read the file 'NixPub: Listing of Public Access Unix sites'
to find an Internet dial-up (BBS/Service) in your area.
IRC - [Internet] Relay Chat. Realtime communication forums between
[Internet] users all over the world.
Legion of Doom - (LoD). A legendary group of [hackers] from the
[computer underground]. When they disbanded, some members
went on to form a computer security firm (ComSec), Loyd
Blankenship wrote GURPS Cyberpunk for [Steve Jackson Games]
and some ended up in jail from [Operation Sundevil].
Matrix - Term coined by William Gibson which refers to the consensual
hallucination of [cyberspace].
MindVox - A [virtual community] in [cyberspace], also a [BBS]
connected to the [Internet]. A nexus of the [computer
underground] and [cyberpunk] and [virtual reality] begun by
Phantom Access Technologies, former members of the [Legion of
Doom]. See also the [WELL]
Mirrorshades - A very important collection of [cyberpunk] fiction by
various authors, most of whom are labelled as the [mirrorshades
group]. This book is edited by [Bruce Sterling] and should be
available in most bookstores.
Mirrorshades Group - Original collection of [cp] authors which
includes William Gibson, Bruce Sterling, Tom Maddox, Lewis
Shiner, John Shirley, SF Eye magazine editor Steve Brown,
Rudy Rucker, Pat Cadigan, and others.
Mondo 2000 - Very popular [cyberpunk] and [new edge] magazine.
Subscription information is available elsewhere in this file.
MUD - Multi-User Domain, Multi-User Dungeon, or Multi-User Dimension.
MUDs are multi-user role-playing-games of sorts that exist on
the [Internet] for entertainment purposes. MUDs are
essentially text-based [virtual worlds] which players
(participants) may explore, change, or add on to. In some
cases, the MUD is not actually a "game" with scores, player
attributes, levels, etc., but some MUDs are set up this way.
MUDs tend to be based around different science fiction genres
such as fantasy, space, or even [cyberpunk]. Some MUD
environments have no defining characteristics.
Nanotechnology - the science of "micro-machines". Small gears or
other machines seen only by a microscope, that can be used in
areas such as medicine and health, art, and other
technologies.
Net - A computer network. Often used to mean the [Internet] when
referred to as "the net".
Netrunner - see [hacker].
New Edge - Fringe culture and fringe science, mostly techno-oriented,
and very popular in Southern California. [Mondo 2000] is a
magazine devoted to the new edge.
Nootropics - A new science revolving around drugs used to increase
intelligence, aid in memory, enhance brain activity, etc.
Touted as a fad by some, others claim that use of nootropics
actually work. See also [SmartDrinks].
Operation Sundevil - Secret Service operation begun in 1990 intended
to destroy the [computer underground] by confiscating [BBSes]
and detaining [hackers].
Phrack - An important magazine existing only in [cyberspace], of
interest to the [computer underground]. It's founder, Craig
Neidorf, now works for the [Electronic Frontier Foundation].
Phreaker - [Hacking] the phone system. Usually meaning to get phone
calls for free, whether by [boxing] or [cc fraud]. Individual
phreakers are called phreaks.
Pirate - One who copies software illegally. Commonly associated with
the [computer underground]. Although commonplace, pirates
are looked down upon as with [codez d00dz].
Post-modern - Literary, artistic, cultural, and philosophical
movement revolving around the post-industrial world in which
we live, and the unique aspects of the trends of modern
society.
Raves - A subculture revolving around all-night dance parties.
Typically, the parties are generally illegal and thus a
complex process is involved to find out where they are
located. Rave music is generally [techno], the parties
usually include 1 or more DJs. Also present in many cases are
"chill out rooms" which feature more ambient music. Lasers,
blaring music, [cyberdelic] images, [SmartDrinks] and drugs
(most often MDMA {X, XTC, Ecstacy, E}, LSD {acid}, ketamine,
or nootropics) are all general contributors to the rave
experience. Raves are usually held in warehouses, and last
until the next morning. Another large part of rave culture is
the flyers - used to find out where your next party will be.
Raves are meant to be very happy events, everyone ideally
should be open and free, laying aggressions and inhibitions
aside for the night. Some have likened the rave experience
to "a weekly roving [techno-]woodstock for the 90's." Rave
fashion includes over-sized baggy t-shirts and pants, hooded
sweat-shirts, ski caps, and usually bright colors, as well as
accessories such as whistles, Cat In The Hat hats, "doctor"
masks, VapoRub, etc.
Slipstream - Term used to denote cyberpunk fiction, particularly
pre-1984 fictional works that have been influential to the
[mirrorshades group] or that closely resemble cyberpunk, but
are sometimes outside of the sf genre. An example would be
William S. Burroughs.
SmartDrugs - [nootropics].
SmartDrinks - Similar to SmartDrugs, or [nootropics], the intent of
these substances, loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, and other healthy substances, is to aid in brain
functioning. Smart Drinks are most often consumed at
[raves], thus, the purpose of some smart drinks is to
"energize" the drinker, not to make them smarter.
Sprawl - Word used by [William Gibson] to mean large mega-cities, and
places where different cities collide. Southern California
and New York City might be early examples of the sprawl. This
word is used often in modern times as "urban sprawl".
Steve Jackson Games - RPG manufacturers which have played a key role
in the evolution of [cyberpunk] and the [computer
underground]. Operators of the Illuminati BBS and makers of
GURPS Cyberpunk, an RPG guide written by Loyd Blankenship, a
member of the [Legion of Doom].
Sterling, Bruce - considered by most to be the "co-founder" of
[cyberpunk] along with [William Gibson]. He is the editor of
"Mirrorshades: A cyberpunk anthology", which is considered
the quintessential collection of [cp] works by the
[mirrorshades group]. Some of his other works include
"Islands in the Net", "Schizmatrix", "The Involution
Ocean", "The Artificial Kid", "The Difference Engine" which
he co-authored with [Gibson] and "The Hacker Crackdown" a
non-fiction account of the [computer underground] and
[Operation Sundevil], including the [Electronic Frontier
Foundation], [Phrack], the [Legion of Doom], [Steve Jackson
Games], etc.
Social Engineering - Technique often by which [hackers] or [crackers]
acquire information, such as names and passwords. Essential
a modern-day con, often conducted via phone conversations,
such as portraying onesself as a teclo employee.
Techno- - prefix similar to cyber-, referring to anything which has
its roots in current or futuristic technology.
Techno - type of music made almost entirely with the help of
computers, revolving around a fast-paced drum beat (as high
as 160 BPM), sampling, and synthesizers.
Teledildonics - Virtual sex in a [virtual environment]. Term often
used by the [new edge] community.
2600 - A popular hardcopy magazine devoted to the [computer
underground]. Subscription information is obtained elsewhere
in this file.
Usenet - A collection of "newsgroups" on the [Internet], in which
[Internet] users may post or read messages on almost any
subject imaginable. The topics of discussion are divided up
into the individual newsgroups, which total about 2000 on
average. Usenet is divided into various large sections,
including the 'alt'ernative newsgroups, the 'comp'uter
newsgroups, the 'sci'ence newsgroups and the 'talk'
newsgroups, among others. A suggested list of newsgroups is
contained in this file. Some groups are moderated, while most
remain completely uncensored.
Virtual Community - any group or gathering that exists in
[cyberspace]. This could be a [BBS], a [hacking] group, a
[net], or even a [zaibatsu].
Virtual Culture - the collection of [virtual communities], and the
cultural aspects unique to those communities.
Virtual Environment - a [virtual world].
Virtual Reality - a consensual hallucination of a world existing only
in [cyberspace]. Modern day virtual reality uses helmets,
gloves, and body suits to create such a world, which is first
created on a computer and connected to the vr devices.
The goal of virtual reality is to generate a completely
alternate reality. Research in vr includes networking
people, so spacial limitations are meaningless. The
possibilities of vr-generated environments are as limitless
as the imagination.
Virtual World - a world existing in [cyberspace] created and used
with [virtual reality] technologies.
VMB - (Voice MailBox). Used (often illegally) by [phreaks] as a
means of communication.
WELL - The Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link. An important gridpoint in
the [matrix], a [virtual community] in [cyberspace], also a
[BBS] connected to the [Internet]. A group concerned mostly
with [cyberpunk], [virtual reality], [nootropics], and other
aspects of the [new edge].
Wirehead - a hardware [hacker].
Zaibatsu - Japanese term used a lot by [William Gibson] that means a
large mega-corporation, such as Sony for example.
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