The Computer Underground

The Computer Underground consists of mainly two forms of media, printed and electronic, both will be discussed in this file. I use the word underground because some of the contents of this file are not the types of titles you would run across at your local bookstore or newsstand. The kind of information that makes up underground publications is mainly technical in nature, but, definitely not limited to that. One can also find tidbits about off-the-wall political views, drugs, weapons, and other topics that are not normally in the mainstream of our society.

The Computer Underground...

Com-put-er Un-der-ground \kem-`pyt-er\ \`en-der-`grand\ (1970's)

A group organized in secrecy, hidden behind aliases, to promote the free exchange of information regarding anything and everything including but not limited to Computers, Telephones, Radios, Chemicals, and ideas.

The CU is made up of men and women all over the globe and of all ages. Most of those involved in the CU consider it a hobby, but, there are those that are involved strictly for illegal purposes, i.e. Selling Pirated Software. I, like most people involved enjoy the information that can be obtained through all of the different avenues in the CU, i.e. Bulletin Boards, Underground Periodicals, Network Digests, and General Discussions between members.

The most common way members communicate is through Bulletin Boards. If you are reading this you know what a BBS is because this will not be released in printed form. There are thousands of BBSes around the world run by people for many reasons including: legitimate businesses, Software Technical Support, Hobby related, Pirated Software, Message Centers, etc...Some of the more common ones are RIPCO, Face-2-Face, Exec-PC, The Well, etc...

Currently there are many regular electronic magazines that are being published and there have been many that have discontinued for one reason or another. Some current ones include: PHRACK, NIA, PHANTASY, CUD, etc...Some discontinued ones include: PIRATE, PHUN, NARC, etc...

There is a current debate about whether or not an electronic media has the same constitutional rights as the printed one. That is for our congressmen to decide, but you could voice your opinion. I personally can't see the difference. Now, don't get me wrong I do not support the publishing of Long distance codes or anything of that nature, but, I do support the exchange of other information, i.e. how to unprotect a game, how to make a smoke bomb, etc...

There are also "Underground Publications" like TAP, 2600, Cybertek, etc. These magazines are published in hard copy and deal with every considerable topic regarding the CU. Most of these magazines publish completely legal information that is obtained from public sources and is available to anyone and everyone.

I doubt that any of the following sources of information would mind if you use an alias to order any of their material, so I would recommend that you do just in case! You might even want to get yourself a private mail box for all of this "underground" information. I would also advise you to use a money order when purchasing anything also. They usually cost an extra 50 cents at the post office. Don't worry about using money orders with these people because I have personally made purchases from many of them without trouble.

The following information is provided to enable you to become more familiar with the CU and unusual information in general. Have fun and try not to get yourself in trouble.