Steal This Computer Book 4.0: What They Won't Tell You about the Internet

by Wallace Wang

If ever a book on cyberculture wore a fedora and trench coat and leaned against a lamppost on a foggy street, this is the one. It is an unabashed look at the dark side of the Net--the stuff many other books gloss over. It's hard-edged, wisecracking, and often quite cynical as it pours over the reality of online scams, illegal activities, and simple annoyances.

Wang's stated goal is to open the reader's eyes about what's really there. He shows what's being done, how it's being done, and how to avoid problems or even strike back. He begins with a chapter about the news media, and his message is that no source is to be trusted completely. He examines issues important to Internet the cost of getting computerized (with tips on how to find the real bargains), who is using the Internet as a source of hate information, and how your privacy can be invaded and protected.

He shows you the secrets of malicious hackers and others and how some of them attack computer systems without the ethical mindset typical of the original, idealistic hackers. Wang shows you how you can set up your defenses against such an onslaught, discussing how to protect yourself and your kids from online stalkers and how online con games work.

Wang never claims that the Internet is the electronic den of darkness that the pop media make it out to be. But he makes it clear that something this big has its lowlights--it's own "net noir." His messages are "know your enemy" and "be careful who you trust," an ideology verified by the examples he provides. --Elizabeth Lewis

Genres: Computer Science, Nonfiction, Technology, Computers, Hackers, Technical, Software

620 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

See also Wally Wang

Reviews

[Esteban del Mal · Rating 2 out of 5]

1/27/10: Have finally waded past the preface on this one. Don't know how seriously I can take a book that proposes the relative nature of truth and then slaps you with an Ayn Rand quote to make the point. I. Loathe. Objectivism.

***

Um, I have better things to do than finish this. Like huff glue.

[Rajesh Prajapati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those who wants to understand "What happens on the Internet" "What most people do not know about Internet". Four things about this book :

1. Nice explanation of history on how hacking evolved.
2. Tells you a lot of stuff about computers and internet if you have no idea.
3. It also tells you how to be safe online.
4. Most of the links to websites mentioned closed a decade ago.

Thanks to Wallace Wang.

[Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book requires the new edition, as the content is completely outdated at this moment. It is filled with links to websites closed a decade ago and advices like how to increase security in Internet Explorer 6.0 or disable the Messaging port in Windows XP. Some content, like descriptions of various scams, aged well though.

[Martin Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative for those looking for an overview on a variety of subjects . . . though talk to those far more advanced with computer tech, software, telephone systems, internet, and they'd probably use this book as a coaster for a coffee mug instead of reading material. Don't think this will provide you with any level of mastery, but for a writer like myself, it suffices . . .

[Jason Chaos]

Okay I tried stealing this from borders but got caught shoplifting...WTF? nah, excellent book, tells you lots of stuff if you're a total idiot when it comes to computers...even refreshing for hacks and wannabe hacks.

[stephanie cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book about hacking, cracking, and loads of other stuff! This book goes behind the scenes of the internet, down to all the stuff everyone won't tell you about. Wallace Wang delivers brilliant narrative, along with random stories. A great book for computer nerds like me!

[Chip Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

5,000 foot view of computer hacking.

Though most of the techniques are outdated, the book introduces you to various network architectures (most defiantly the books actual purpose). The book comes with a disk of various hacking/security software (fun for the whole family).

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overall informative and good read. This version is a combination of the first three editions after extreme censoring and editing but additionally brought up to date to continually expand on exploitations of the internet and the systems that run atop and behind it.

[Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but pretty basic. If you actually work in the Computer Security industry this is mostly popcorn with a few "I'd never heard of that website before" nuggets thrown in.

If you *aren't* a Computer Security type person it's pretty eye-opening, if not kind of dated.

[cbbrnk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book if you want to know a lot about the internet and how hackers can get you.

[Thumper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I am unable to complete this book because it has run away from home. Pretty funny considering the title!!

[Case · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too elementary for me. Nothing new.

[Christian Barraza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice history lesson on how hacking evolve. Learned new things about the latest trends. Very useful software found on the attached disk. Reccomend it.

[Corey Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing read. great way to see the mindset of real hacker s

[Armando · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for everyone

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some good chapters and some completely unhelpful chapters in here. Overall, I liked it but it is dated, especially the chapters dealing with computer software.

[E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Either I've changed or the book hasn't changed enough since the first edition. Not recommended.