Limited edition brass coin featuring my alter-ego, Darkl0ad, AKA The Hack Whisperer.
A long time ago, before the Internet, mobile phones, Windows or Mac, and Microsoft, small computers couldn’t do anything.
At that same time, there was a group of men who also couldn’t do anything. Some had college degrees and expertise in subjects not considered commercial value. Some were college “dropouts” while others remained in the comfort of their parent’s basement. Many lacked Social Skills and were considered “misfits.” As it happened, the misfits had the critical resources to make these computers do something. There was no Google, documentation or even higher-level computer languages. Software was created by trial and error and required vast amounts of time. These guys had the time. They called themselves Hackers.
Later, this knowledge was compiled into software libraries. These libraries were used to create new software. New libraries were made on top of the original hacker libraries (this is how computers advanced for the next forty years.) Software is made from new code and libraries on top of libraries. Every application, including the Internet, email, and FaceBook, was built on long-forgotten programmers’ libraries.
My name is Craig Brown. I was one of the misfits. We built the base for much of the tech you love. If you are tech-savvy, look through UseNet archives for a hacker named Darkl0ad. I believe I am “The last man standing” from the original group. Still a misfit in a group of one.
Over the years, I’ve pioneered numerous technologies and products, often a solid five to ten years ahead of the mainstream. My entire 45 years of experience is built into my current project, “Reflex,”. Reflex is the most valuable thing I created. That is saying a lot. TastyBuzz became a $billion industry and Floater introduced the first AI.
On the side, I try to use my skill set to help others. I’m currently building an organization to help people that have been laid off. Initially, I expected this network to be for tech workers. But with America’s choice to “Make America Great Again,” I now anticipate thousands of government workers joining us. With the exception of IRS auditors and divorce attorneys, all are welcome!
This site is quite a relic. The content has moved from a BBS though several other technologies, to Lotus Domino —it’s one of the oldest websites out there. I believe I started it 40 years ago. While it includes some personal stories, it has primarily been a timeline of my life and career.
My first office. 1200 Baud!
Coding my video game “Non-Smoker’s Revenge”