Jeffery Deaver
The Blue Nowhere
Copyright © 2001
When I say that the brain is a machine, it is meant not as an insult to the mind but as an acknowledgment of the potential of a machine. I do not believe that a human mind is less than what we imagine it to be, but rather that a machine can be much, much more.
– W. Daniel Hillis,
The Pattern on the Stone
GLOSSARY:
Bot (from robot): A software program that, operating on its own, assists users or other programs. Also referred to as an agent.
Bug: An error in software that prevents or interferes with the operation of the program.
CCU: The Computer Crimes Unit of the California State Police.
Chip-jock: A computer worker who specializes in hardware development or sales.
Civilians: Those individuals not involved in the computer industry.
Code: Software.
Code cruncher: An unimaginative software programmer who performs simple or mundane programming tasks.
Codeslinger:A talented software programmer, whose work is considered innovative. Also referred to as a samurai.
Crack: To illicitly break into a computer, usually to steal or destroy data or to prevent others from using the system.
Demon (or daemon): An unobtrusive, often hidden, software program that isn't specifically activated by a user command but that operates autonomously. It usually becomes active when certain conditions within the computer where it resides occur.
Firewall: A computer security system that prevents unwanted data from entering the computer it's intended to guard.
Freeware: Software made available by its developers at no charge.
Guru: A brilliant computer expert, a wizard.