The Bottom Line
Originally dropped out of fear of DMCA-related lawsuits from Microsoft. No Starch Press has taken on puplishing this revealing and revolutionary book. Excellent book on many levels.
Pros
- Originally cancelled due to DMCA legal fears
- Excellent primer on reverse-engineering
- Step-by-step lessons on hardware modifications
Cons
- None
Description
- This is the "Unlimited Edition" after "Bunnie" Huang self-published a Limited Edition.
- Covers the tools required to hack hardware- screw driver, soldering iron, chip pliers, etc.
- Detailed description of the steps necessary to deconstruct the Xbox- complete with photos.
- Hardware hacking lessons can be used with other computer and electronic hardware aside from the Xbox
- Ethical and legal issues discussed in chapter by Lee Tien from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
Guide Review - Book Review: Hacking The XBox
Hacking The XBox has become somewhat of a "martyr for the cause" of good hacking and reverse engineering in the face of the abuse and mis-application of the United States DMCA law. Companies continue to use fear tactics and threaten legal action against legitimate security researchers. Hacking The XBox is a great book - even without the DMCA hype. It walks you through the tools and techniques needed to hack electronic hardware- specifically the Microsoft XBox video game console. It has a broader appeal than that though with chapters regarding the legal and ethical issues surrounding reverse engineering and security research. I recommend this book even to those who don't want to hack an Xbox. It is an interesting and informative read.