Rating: 
Summary: A Must for anyone interested in Computer History
Review: I found this book to be resourceful and entertaining guide to origins of hacking and the beginnings of the personal computer. Levy seems to focus a little too much on MIT and homebrew (especially MIT), but it should be considered that this book was written in the early 80's. I find it odd that he seems to highlight and glorify various hackers' objections to cigarette smoke, which leads me to believe that he himself is an ardent non-smoker.One section of the book that I thought was one-dimensional is the section dealing with Ken Williams. Levy would have you believe that Sierra was the force in electronic gaming at the time but there were a lot of companies doing much more interesting and creative projects than Sierra at the time. Another gripe is that Levy does not make any mention of European or Japanese hackers. Hacking, even in the 70's was a global phenomenon. Overall, "Hackers" is a must read for anyone interested in the history of personal computing.
Rating: 
Summary: Not very good
Review: I was very disappointed with this book. It is old, somewhat outdated and written from a skewed viewpoint of someone who idolizes the "hackers" who came from MIT. There was not much mention of the computer work done elsewhere. This "history" was one sided and not very comprehensive.
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic.
Review: I can't even begin to describe how much I love this book. It was an earth shattering expirience. I had heard of the hacker etic before, but not to this extent. I couldn't put it down. I read, and read, and read. Fantastic. I would reccomend this to anyone. I am currently making my girl friend read it. The way that Levy describes everyone in the book makes me feel like I know them. Its.. an amazing book.
Rating:
Summary: A well written read - especially for a simple enthusiast
Review: If you're considering reading Hackers, by Steven Levy you're either a hacker wannabe, or maybe the real deal looking for a trip down random-access memory lane. Either way, Hackers is a well-written narrative version of the history of "hacking" - that is, figuring out how to make computers perform tasks, often by simple trial and error; from the early days at MIT in the late 50's through the microcomputer revolution in the eighties. Not only is it well-written and organized, it gives you just enough technical data to increase your understanding of the hackers' achievements, and doesn't drown you in jargon. I read this as research for a writing project; I use computers, I like computers, but by the end of the book I was wrapped up in a world of people who are consumed by the curiosity of what a computer is capable of. All the of real people that Levy writes about are interesting and vibrant in their own peculiar ways. And all the description of ingenuity and innovation in the sake of a good hack really gets you inspired. I'm sure there are people who will take issue with Levy's selective coverage of the machines covered, debatably skewed emphasis on the bookish quality of the MIT group versus the crazy, do-it-yourselfers at Stanford, etc., and all of the people covered are not shown in a uniform light. But if you love computers, and would like to read about some really interesting people who accomplish some pretty amazing things, then this is a book for you.
Rating:
Summary: A look back at a look back
Review: When I first read this in the eighties, it profoundly effected my life, my self perception, and my desires. I knew there were other people who shared similar interests as my own. When I received my shipment of this book, the new blurbs made me somewhat sad. Yes, computers have become cool. The day I once wished for as a kid is here, and instead of being elated, I feel somewhat like the old man who once owned a hand-build home in the wilderness but now is surrounded by suburban sprawl and trailer trash... when all of your wishes are granted, many of your dreams will be destroyed. This book is still a must read, especially the first two sections! Only the last section, having been written at a time only shortly after the time it covers, shows its age. Also valuable is the brief mention at the tail end of RMS and the GNU project, which actually HAS gone on to change the world for the better (with the help of the Linux kernel). Sometimes, change is for the better as well.
Rating:
Summary: A mildly melodramatic, entertaining look at hacker history
Review: I am a senior engineer for network security operations, who when nine years old in 1980 started computing on a Timex-Sinclair ZX-80. I probably first heard the term "hacker" when "War Games" was released in 1983. I read Steven's book because it is an early but enlightening account (first published in 1984) of the Hacker Ethic. Consider: in a closed, self-policed environment, like the computer labs of the 1960s and early 1970s, freely sharing information makes sense. In an open, under-policed environment, like the modern Internet, deviants abuse the Hacker Ethic. Well-intentioned "white hats" may explore the phone system purely to understand its operation, but evil-minded "black hats" abuse the same knowledge to make free long distance calls. Does this mean information should be confined? No -- full disclosure is still the best way to counter black hat activity. Steven lays the groundwork for these thoughts, and serves up gems from hacker history. His 1970s quote from Popular Electronics editor Les Solomon is the earliest reference I know linking hacking to kung fu: "The computer is...an art form. It's the ultimate martial art." Steven also shares tales of Sierra On-Line, Apple Corp., Homebrew Computer Club, the Altair, and even Bill Gates' 1975 rant against software piracy. "Hackers" will make you appreciate your unlimited access to the machine on which you're reading this review. Hackers of the 1960s and 1970s would have given their first born child to possess the power and availability of modern PCs; now we take PCs for granted, like indoor plumbing or refrigeration! Those who lived the early days of PCs will enjoy Steven's trip down memory lane. Those who are younger will discover the true meaning of the word "hacker" -- one who promotes access, freedom, decentralization, meritocracy, art, and joy through computers.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent !
Review: For long time I don't recall enjoying reading a book like this. The author simply does a splendid job describing the various events during the "computer revolution" of the 2nd part of the 20th century. The key figures are some of the most known names today, such as Steven Jobs, Bill Gates... Some of the well known companies are featured, Apple, Electronic Arts, Sierra and on and on... Steven Levy tells the story with great talent and at times humor that makes it a pleasure to read.
Rating:
Summary: simply beautiful
Review: One of the classic books on the history of the development of computers and the characters that use them.
Rating:
Summary: This is not a new book
Review: How can this be listed as a new book? I read the book years ago. You should clearly state the differences between this new edition of the book and the previous edition. Otherwise, people will buy the book and be VERY disappointed when they realize that they have already read it!
Rating:
Summary: The real definition of hackers
Review: The media have taken a wonderful concept and twisted it into a vision of criminals. Don't be misled. Levy understands what the true definition of a hacker is. It's about having a thirst for knowledge so great that you'll go to extraordinary lengths to learn more and to find ways to apply that knowledge to make things do more then anyone ever imagined that they could. This concept is what moves technology forward at such a great pace. The book reads like a novel. It gives you a first hand glimpse into the hacker mentality and culture that it has created. If you are intrigued by what computer programmers do, this book will give you an excellent insight into the topic. If you are a programmer, or thinking about becoming a programer - this is one of the most inspirational books that you could ever read.
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