Linux users are often described as Hackers. But this doesn’t mean they try break into computers or write viruses. The word hacker in its original sense from the 1970s, described a computer enthusiast who was interested in exploring the capabilities of computers. Many well known people in the computing industry started out as hackers. Namely Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Computer, and Richard Stallman, founder of GNU project and FSF.
The word hacker is derive from model train enthusiasts who “hacked” train tracks as part of their hobby. When computing became popular in the early 70s, several enthusiasts also became interested in computing, and the term hacker was carried across with them.
However, in recent years, the media has subverted the term hacker to apply to an individual who breaks into computer systems. This was based on ignorance, and many true hackers find the comparison extremely offensive.Because of this, the term cracker was invented to clearly define an individual who maliciously attacks computers.