-=> CHARLES ANGELICH wrote to MARTIN ATKINS <=-


MA> I operate as root all the time. I take some very simple
MA> precautions before going on the web.

MA> I unmount all remote file systems and unused local mounts.
MA> I filter out spam and shove it straight into the garbage
MA> bin. I don't run any web servers but if i did i would just
MA> fire wall them. Like you i am the only one who uses my
MA> machines so no need for any user accounts although i do
MA> have one but only for curiosities sake.

CA> This may or may not work for more experienced computer users
CA> but, in general, this is bad advice for most computer users.

We are not talking computer user per say, we are talking an
experienced user who is new to Linux.

MA> I am always fiddling with things that need root privileges
MA> and like you i do not need protecting from myself. If i
MA> screw up it is just a another lesson to be learned. If you
MA> are not hooked up broad band 24/7 then your vulnerability
MA> is minimal and unless you intend becoming an administrator
MA> of a multiuser multiserver environment

CA> The 'attacks' are scripted and very fast. If your machine
CA> becomes a 'zombie' for some group you become a part of the
CA> problem for _everyone_ using the internet. It is not just your
CA> foot you 'shoot' it involves many other innocent feet.

What group are you talking about? Most attacks come via email
and if you read my message to Tom you will see that i suggested
isolating unknown mail. 

I've using Linux for years and i haven't received so much as a
pop up. It is not users like me that are the problem but the
abundance of ignorant Windows users.

L8r. :)
 
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