123c544651be
tech



Hello Martin - 

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
CA>> users but, in general, this is bad advice for most
CA>> computer users. 

MA> We are not talking computer user per say, we are talking an
MA> 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
CA>> your foot you 'shoot' it involves many other innocent feet. 

MA> What group are you talking about? 

Spammers and others. 

MA> Most attacks come via email and if you read my message to
MA> Tom you will see that i suggested isolating unknown mail. 

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

If you operate as root needlessly and become overconfident you
are a part of the problem. The 'abundance' of Windows users is
a reflection of the percentage of the population that uses
Windows not an indication of their ignorance. 

>
>        ,                          ,
>      o/      Charles.Angelich      \o       ,
>       __o/
>     / >          USA, MI           < \   __\__
 

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