Re: Security question

[Chris Paul <cp_(_at_)_teamrci_(_dot_)_net>]

On Thu, 11 Dec 2003 21:59:49 -0600
Michael Clark <MClark_(_at_)_Nemschoff_(_dot_)_com> wrote:

> When is the last time you ran a Linux distro?  Redhat is so close to a
> windows
> feeling during the install and configuration its scary.  They even
> have an update system.  So yes Linux is easier, especially with some
> distro's. Easier
> to operate, maybe not to properly operate.  I am not one to go install

I could swear that some commercial Linux distros have moved config files
around like a shell game just from release to release (I remember when
xinetd came out) possibly just to generate more support calls. They
probably don't need to do that anymore with the new licensing schemes
($1500 per server for RHE-- kidding me!).

BSD Unix definately builds on tradition. OpenBSD has a similar feel
to the first UNIX system I used heavily, which was brignt and shiny
circa 1993 Linux kernel 0.99 (Slackware). At that time, "ps -ax" for all
processes. Also, Linux had a BSD-style startup (/etc/rc and
/etc/rc.local), I'm pretty sure. What else.... Definately no xinetd. No
I'm no Linux basher. I've always liked it, but the quality is not up to
par lately. 

Especially the outdated and completely freaking random and sometimes
highly unprofessional documentation. Oh yah, another thing: OK, I'm a
nit-pick and possibly too serious but this is my work, man, I don't
like "dazed and confused" in kernel panic messages!!!! Also most
confusing is the fact there are various distributions. Competition is a
good thing, but for an enduser, it can be overwhelming.

Also interesting is that despite heavy corporate investment in Linux,
there doesn't appear to be anything approaching the type of security
auditing that happens in the OpenBSD development group.

Thanks, OpenBSD.... I like UNIX again.

CP
-- 
Chris Paul
Rex Consulting - Messaging and Security Solutions
+1 831.338.7712
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