Java flaw could lead to Windows, Linux attacks

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Irony is I am not an Admin!

I am a programmer, that fixes Winboxes on the side for fun and a little extra cash. I use Linux at home with the exception of one Win2K install that runs in a VMWare environment (for safety reasons... as far as having the Win2K install, my current position requires it.)

Also, saying that locking down a Windows box makes you lose more functionality than locking down a Linux box is pure, unadulterated FUD. Good one!! -- Show me the proof.

QUES: How is Windows fundementally flawed:
ANS: It is a monolithic monstrosity with just about everything included into the kernel space. This in itself is an invitation to a security nightmare. A simple application such as media player can wipe a system out or bring it to it's needs because the flaw inthe media player has direct unprotected access to the core of the system... the kernel.

Next still to this day Windows systems do not warn the users about the risks of running as Administrator and blindly places new users in the position of running as Administrators. This allows full access to ALL vital sections of the OS. This is also one area that many like myself have had to go clean up after a user deleted vital system files. Because they were cleaning the hard drive up!

Many applications cannot be run to their full potential as a restricted user, and running as a Power User is not much different that running as Administrator. MS Office is an example of this poor design. Another fundemental flaw, not so much with the OS but with other Microsoft products. Things like looking at report previews, you know in Access. If you do not have a printer installed, even a bogus one, then you cannot preview a simple report! This is and has never been a problem with any of my Linux systems...

Anyhow let's see, ah yes, the ability of the system to arbitrarily run code at will without user intervention. Although I will admit that with current changes to the WinXP this is becoming more difficult and is finally being addressed, it is still a bad design flaw especially from a security standpoint.

Next ALL versions of Windows (exception is WinXP) DO NOT SHIP WITH SECURITY TOOLS!!! WinXP has a firewall and some other security utilities and protocols BUT they are off by default!! Linux systems will ALWAYS start the firewall PRIOR TO CONNECTING TO THE NETWORK! Even during the install phase, a firewall is started prior to testing the network connection and downloading updates.

There is a good start, others may feel free to add to this but I think I have provided enough to support my position. Have a nice day boy.

Posted by: Linux User 147560   Posted on: 11/24/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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