2600: The Hacker Quarterly is an American magazine specializing in the publication of technical information about computer and telephone networks, PBXs, network protocols and services, as well as news of the "computer underground" and articles of an anarchist persuasion.
The name of the journal comes from the frequency of the signal 2600 Hz, which was used in telephone networks and, in case of incorrect use, opened up additional opportunities for the user (for example, free long-distance calls). This vulnerability was actively exploited by phreakers in the 1960s. The name of the magazine was given by one of its founders, David Ruderman, who ceased to participate in the publication after 3 years. The second founder of the magazine is Eric Corley.
The first issue of the magazine was published in 1984.
The magazine is published under the editorship of its founder, Eric Corley, using the pseudonym Emmanuel Goldstein (a reference to George Orwell's 1984 novel) and his non-profit organization 2600 Enterprises, Inc. Issues of the magazine are published on the first Friday of January, April, July and October.
In 2008, an 888-page hardcover book containing selected materials was published under the title The Best of 2600: A Hacker Odyssey. It was released on July 28, 2008 in the United States and on August 8, 2008 in the United Kingdom.
The magazine offers free advertising for subscribers
The magazine organized monthly H.O.P.E. (Hackers On Planet Earth) conferences in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Austria, England, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, USA, Finland, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Scotland, South Africa, Japan.
Meetings are usually held on the first Friday of the month at 17:00 local time. They are designed to organize the teaching, study, and discussion of modern technologies. Meetings are open to everyone, regardless of age or level of knowledge.