Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms: 2600
2600
a number used as an identifying code by groups of people who exchange detailed information about how to break into computers, tamper with telephone systems, duplicate credit cards, and the like, whether for the purpose of preventing or encouraging these acts. There is a magazine (2600: The Hacker Quarterly), a newsgroup (alt.2600), and a variety of loosely organized local "2600" groups.
The number 2600 is from the 2600-Hz control tone formerly used in telephone systems. The Atari 2600 video game machine is completely unrelated.
