I notice the term GEEK is used a lot these days, every man and his dogs flea refers to themselves as a geek. I’m talking computer geek here today, no other kind

15 years ago  it was a different story completely. In my book and having talked to several other people online, a geek is somebody who is into technology and understands it and is doing stuff beyond the average user.

But to clarify, can you please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments. What is a GEEK and what is not a GEEK?

My thoughts are that you need at least one or two of the following criteria (not all!)

• You can program in more at least one language, probably 2 or 3 (html/css NOT included)
• You can use a command line easily without having to google commands in at least one of the following Windows, Linux, or OS X
• You know the difference between a Domain Registrar, Domain Name Server, and types of DNS records.
• You know what Linux is, have installed it, and used it regularly (using a friends/boyfriends/family PC not counted, and done without help)
• You can name all the following parts of a PC, AND what they do. CPU, RAM, HDD, BUS, PSU.
• You can create a full network, including DHCP, DNS, Gateway/firewall and know what IP ranges are reserved for private networks
• Do all of the above WITHOUT having to google!

You are NOT a geek if you ONLY do

• You are on Helpdesk
• you helped somebody fix their email
• You use IRC, Twitter, Forums, Other chat forums
• You Game lots (Some gamers are geek, but most are not)

Note: if you do the “you are not a geek if” and still qualify the above ones you are still a geek.