This book tells you about many of the experiences and stories that were part of my life as a sixteen-year-old hacker. I've tried where possible to make references general, rather than specific, to avoid giving you the impression that a particular hacking approach or technique always works on a single type or class of computer system. Hackers try all kinds of things - they have nothing to lose and everything (in their eyes) to gain.
This book gives my view of the hacking experiences I describe. If, in writing, I have misrepresented or misunderstood any event, I have done so unknowingly. As I state many times: Computer security is ultimately the responsibility of the people who use computers, not of the machines and programs themselves.
While a book reflects the feelings and opinions of the person who writes it, there are many other people who commit their time and their abilities to making the book as good as it can be. For their help and encouragement, I would like to thank the people at Microsoft Press - in particular, Karen Meredith, publicist; Barry Preppernau, senior technical reviewer; Salley Oberlin, editorial director; Joyce Cox, managing editor; and JoAnne Woodcock, senior editor. Special thanks also go to William Gladstone, my literary agent.
To the many other people who have contributed to this book: my appreciation for your efforts in making this an experience to be remembered. Thank you.