The term hacking has an unfortunate reputation in the popular press, where it often refers to someone who breaks into systems or wreaks havoc with computers. Among enthusiasts, on the other hand, the term hack refers to a “quick and dirty” solution to a problem or a clever way to do something. The term hacker is very much a compliment, praising someone as being creative and having the technical chops to get things done. O’Reilly’s Hacks series is an attempt to reclaim the word, document the good ways people are hacking (in a good way), and pass on the hacker ethic of creative participation to a new generation of hackers. Seeing how others approach systems and problems is often the quickest way to learn about a new technology.

Not to mention the fact that hacking is often the only way to enjoy the full and complete variety of classic gaming entertainment that once so filled our lives. If you want to play retro games today, odds are you’re going to have to devise some creative solution. No single book can contain all the answers you’re looking for, but this one will put you into the right state of mind.