3 ms·
The master/slave terminology has a history in technological circles, typically being used to describe situations where one device is used to control another dev
by Millennium 14y ago
The master/slave terminology has a history in technological circles, typically being used to describe situations where one device is used to control another device. It actually predates computers; you can find examples in mechanical and hydraulic machinery going much further back.
As far as that context goes, the term is accurate for what RATs do: the hacker's "master" device can be used to control what the "slave" machines do. I assume that this is the context in which these people are using those terms. But it is, admittedly, somewhat jarring for people unfamiliar with that context.
- scott_s 14y agoWhile the technical meaning may be part of why they are using it, I think they are clearly using it mostly for its connotation related to controlling a person.
- Nursie 14y agoYeah no... I think they're using the term to refer to the people, not their computers.
- barik 14y agoIt's true that it has history in technological circles, but the politically correct wording appears to now be "primary" and "secondary". Interestingly, in 2003: "Los Angeles officials have asked that manufacturers, suppliers and contractors stop using the terms "master" and "slave" on computer equipment, saying such terms are unacceptable and offensive." [1]. [1] http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/11/26/master.term.reut/ http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/11/26/master.term.reut/
- solistice 14y agoI honestly couldn't doubleminusagree with the political correctness movement any doubleplusmore.
- roguecoder 14y ago"That's treating people with respect gone mad!"