FAQ

Latest revision as of 13:26, 26 June 2012

This page tries to answer the most common questions one could have regarding this project. If your question is not answered here, please feel free to send an email to info_AT_hackerspace_DOT_lu.

[edit] What is a Hackerspace?

A Hackerspace is simply put a Space for Hackers. It is a place where people interested in technology can meet, socialise, talk and collaboratively work on projects.

A hackerspace or hackspace (from Hacker and Space)  
is a real (as opposed to virtual) place where people with common interests, 
usually in science, technology, or digital- or electronic art can meet,  
socialize and collaborate. (wikipedia:Hackerspace)

The LABOR is dynamic. Its structures are not set. It is also up to you what's
happening in and  with the Labor. You want to change something or do  it better?
Do you want to try technology or learn something about its uses? Maybe you just 
want to meet new people who share your interest? Go ahead! Just come over and 
participate - the LABOR grows with you! (http://www.das-labor.org/about.html)

[edit] What is a Hacker?

First of all: A hack or a hacker can be many different things!

If you're not familiar with the Tech Model Railroad Club at MIT story, look it up Long Story short:

1963: The first recorded reference to hackers in the computer sense is made in The Tech (MIT Student Magazine). [...]
The modern, computer-related use of the term is considered likely rooted in the goings on at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) in the 1960s, long before computers became common; the word "hack" was local slang which had a large number of
related meanings. One was a simple, but often inelegant, solution to a problem. It also meant any clever prank perpetrated by
MIT students; logically the perpetrator was a hacker. To this day the terms hack and hacker are used in several ways at MIT,
without necessarily referring to computers. (en.wikipedia)

Hacker

The term used to refer to someone skilled in the use of computer systems, especially if that skill was obtained in an exploratory
way. The term evolved to be applied to individuals, with or without skill, who break into security systems.

It is hard to write a simple definition of something as varied as hacking, but I think what these activities have in common is
playfulness, cleverness, and exploration. Thus, hacking means exploring the limits of what is possible, in a spirit of playful
cleverness. Activities that display playful cleverness have "hack value". (Richard Stallman: On Hacking)

Popular Hackers include:

• Steve Wozniak (apple/Homebrew Computer Club)
• Linus Torvalds (linux)
• John T. Draper (Capt'n Crunch)
• Kevin Mitnick (social engineering, FBI's most wanted)

There is also a very nice definition in the RedHat Linux .Security Guide

[edit] Who are you guys?

We are a bunch of IT-professionals, students, hobbyists, artists, graphic designers and OpenSource users who wish to get together in order to explore technology and its possibilities.

[edit] What do you plan on doing?

We'd like to offer people ressources like space and infrastructure, that they need, but could hardly afford if they were alone. Some hardware that is required to do these things (like rfid readers, professional soldering apparatus, audiovisual apparatus, 3D-Printers etc...) are simply too expensive for a single person to buy and maintain.

If you're looking for more information on this matters, go check out our Concept document.

[edit] How can I become a member or support your association?

Please refer to the Association page to learn about the means of becoming a regular or donating member.

You may also support us buy buying shirts and other apparel from syn2cat.spreadshirt.net.

€4 of every shirt you buy will go into our account.

Sponsorships are also very welcome. In such a case, please contact us be sending an email to office_AT_hackerspace_DOT_lu

[edit] Wait, at first you said there was a monthly fee, have you switched to yearly fees now?

Yes, we have and No, not really. On our inaugural meeting, we agreed on having a yearly membership fee fee until a real, physical hackerspace is found. Only then will we switch to asking a monthly fee. If you'd paid a membership fee prior to the physical space's existence, it will also be valid for the first month of regular, i.e. non-virtual membership. As mentioned above, you are still very welcome to support us with a monthly donation.

[edit] Where can I find more Information?

• We're currently working on a document describing our intermediate and long-term goals as well as the way of achieving it: Concept-Document
• Then there's the text that started it all: LetterForFeedback
• The first glossy info-folder that went to government and art people: Info-Folder
• We're regularly presenting our ideas and projects to various groups and people: Presentations

[edit] Help I'm lost with all those names: syn2cat, hackerspace, c3l, lilux, grl ...

Syn₂cat is the organization running the Luxembourg hackerspace (yes there are hackerspaces all over the world). A hackerspace is an infrastructure which can be used by its members or other associations for working on technological projects and interchange new ideas. Other associations like c3l and grl are using the infrastructure for holding meetings or jumpstart their projects. Syn₂cat helps supporting those initiatives and also continuously improves the hackerspace rooms to keep it in good shape. This common place enables interaction between various people and groups of very different backgrounds, be it art, technology or even cooking.

[edit] Where can I get a username from?

Come to the space on a weekend or monday evening with your Application Form filled out. We will set up things for you then.