The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

neep-neep
 /neep neep/, n.

    [onomatopoeic, widely spread through SF fandom but reported to have
    originated at Caltech in the 1970s] One who is fascinated by computers.
    Less specific than hacker, as it need not imply more skill than is
    required to play games on a PC. The derived noun neeping applies
    specifically to the long conversations about computers that tend to develop
    in the corners at most SF-convention parties (the term neepery is also in
    wide use). Fandom has a related proverb to the effect that ?Hacking is a
    conversational black hole!?.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

neep-neep

   /neep neep/ [onomatopoeic, from New York SF fandom] One who is
   fascinated by computers.  Less specific than hacker, as it
   need not imply more skill than is required to boot games
   on a personal computer.  The derived noun "neeping" applies
   specifically to the long conversations about computers that
   tend to develop in the corners at most SF-convention parties
   (the term "neepery" is also in wide use).  Fandom has a
   related proverb to the effect that "Hacking is a
   conversational black hole!".

   [Jargon File]

   (1994-11-29)