Source : WordNet®

samizdat
     n : a system of clandestine printing and distribution of
         dissident or banned literature [syn: {underground press}]

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

samizdat
     
         (Russian, literally "self publishing") The
        process of disseminating documentation via underground
        channels.  Originally referred to photocopy duplication and
        distribution of banned books in the former Soviet Union; now
        refers by obvious extension to any less-than-official
        promulgation of textual material, especially rare, obsolete,
        or never-formally-published computer documentation.  Samizdat
        is obviously much easier when one has access to
        high-{bandwidth} {networks} and high-quality {laser printers}.
     
        Strictly, "samizdat" only applies to distribution of needed
        documents that are otherwise unavailable, and not to
        duplication of material that is available for sale under
        {copyright}.
     
        See {Lions Book} for a historical example.
     
        See also: {hacker ethic}.
     
        [{Jargon File}]
     
        (2000-03-23)