------------------------------ Date: Wed, 16 Mar 1994 16:34:51 EST From: CuD Moderators Subject: File 4--Gray Areas (Magazine) and The Computer underground We've often recommended GRAY AREAS Magazine as a source of information about the computer culture, "underground" and otherwise. The magizine's eclecticism in the laters (Spring, 1994) issue includes articles on Dead-heads and the law, an interview with an S&M dominatrix, info on "smart drugs," and a section on U.S. prisons. But, what caught our attention were a series of articles covering several "underground" topics: 1) "Can Virus Writing become a Crime," by Paul G. Melka: Melka breaks down virus writing into several parts and argues that ill-considered laws against virus writing could severely undermine existing individual freedom. 2) "Inside Today's Hacking Mind," by "Clacker:" The author dispairs for the future of "hacking." No-brainer "hacking" software tools, the retirement of older "hackers" and the delcine in competence of new ones, over-developed egos, and tougher laws are changing the scene. 3) A "phone phreak" interview provides a description of one PP's expriences and perspective. 4) Two reviews, one of PumpCon II, the other of HoHoCon '93, by Netta Gilboa: Nice summary of both. 5) The most interesting of the batch of pieces is two separate interviews with two "hackers" who cracked into The Well's system last fall. All in all, an excellent issue for those into "gray" cultures or those who just want to know what's happening in them. Gray Areas is on-line at: grayarea@well.sf.ca.us Various subscription packages are available, all reasonably priced. The cheapest is $18 for a four-issue one-year sub and $200 for a lifetime sub. Contact: Gray Areas, Inc. Po Box 808 Broomall, PA 19008-0808 ------------------------------ ************************************************************************** ***** End of Computer Underground Digest #6.25 ***** **************************************************************************