"Cyberpunks" are marginalized people in technologically-enhanced cultural "systems". In any cultural system, there are always those who live on its margins, on "the Edge": visionaries, criminals, outcasts, and those who just want freedom.The subgroups which are identified with cyberpunks are: Hackers, Crackers, and Phreaks. All three groups are using emerging computer and telecommunications technology to satisfy their individualist goals.

"Hackers" are the wizards of the computer community. They are people with a deep understanding of how computers work and can do things with them that seem magical. They enjoy exploring the details of programmable systems and stretching their capabilities.

"Crackers" are those who break security on a system. They break in to other people's computers, without their permission, for illicit gain or simply for the pleasure of exercising their skill.

"Phreaks" are those who do a similar thing with the telephone system, coming up with ways to circumvent phone companies' calling charges and doing clever things with the phone network. ( for example, to make free long-distance calls).

Laws and Netiquette are regulating the behaviors on the Net. For those who cross these limits, prison could be at the end of the road. Here are some stories of hackers and crackers who got caught.