Simon Bridge said:but note: Olympic atheletes are amateurs.
... when I was programming at High School, the people who populated the Computer Lab were divided into the hackers (these days you'd probably say "coders" - folk who wanted to program the computers beyond coursework requirements) and the "gamers" (identified by monopolizing the computers to play Donkey Kong etc - the jargon file would call these folk "lusers").hacker: n.
[originally, someone who makes furniture with an axe]
1. A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary. RFC1392, the Internet Users' Glossary, usefully amplifies this as: A person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in particular.
2. One who programs enthusiastically (even obsessively) or who enjoys programming rather than just theorizing about programming.
3. A person capable of appreciating hack value.
4. A person who is good at programming quickly.
5. An expert at a particular program, or one who frequently does work using it or on it; as in ‘a Unix hacker’. (Definitions 1 through 5 are correlated, and people who fit them congregate.)
6. An expert or enthusiast of any kind. One might be an astronomy hacker, for example.
7. One who enjoys the intellectual challenge of creatively overcoming or circumventing limitations.
8. [deprecated] A malicious meddler who tries to discover sensitive information by poking around. Hence password hacker, network hacker. The correct term for this sense is cracker.
The term ‘hacker’ also tends to connote membership in the global community defined by the net (see the network. For discussion of some of the basics of this culture, see the How To Become A Hacker FAQ. It also implies that the person described is seen to subscribe to some version of the hacker ethic (see hacker ethic).
It is better to be described as a hacker by others than to describe oneself that way. Hackers consider themselves something of an elite (a meritocracy based on ability), though one to which new members are gladly welcome. There is thus a certain ego satisfaction to be had in identifying yourself as a hacker (but if you claim to be one and are not, you'll quickly be labeled bogus). See also geek, wannabee.
This term seems to have been first adopted as a badge in the 1960s by the hacker culture surrounding TMRC and the MIT AI Lab. We have a report that it was used in a sense close to this entry's by teenage radio hams and electronics tinkerers in the mid-1950s.
A hacker is someone who uses their technical skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, often with malicious intent. On the other hand, a professional is someone who uses their technical skills for legitimate purposes such as improving security or developing software.
Yes, a hacker can become a professional by using their skills for legal and ethical purposes. Many professionals in the cybersecurity field started as hackers and then shifted to using their skills for good.
A professional typically has a more thorough understanding of computer systems and networks, as well as knowledge of programming languages and security protocols. They also have a strong understanding of ethical and legal considerations when it comes to using their skills.
Both a hacker and a professional have technical skills in areas such as coding, networking, and system administration. They also both have a deep understanding of computer systems and how to exploit vulnerabilities.
The best way to protect yourself from hackers and professionals is to practice good cybersecurity habits, such as regularly updating your software, using strong and unique passwords, and being cautious of suspicious emails or links. It is also helpful to have a professional conduct regular security audits and implement strong security measures.