From: "Rod Gasson" 


"Bob Lawrence" 
wrote in message
news:1085900499{at}p12.f610.n712.z3.ftn...

> DD> My Linux doesn't have a "centralised source of all information"
> DD> - most apps/utilities have their own text based config file.
> DD> Maybe you're running a distributions that's been too
> DD> Windowised...
>
>  No... I can't remember the directory name offhand, but Linux has a
> sort-of central location for the config files.

I assume you are refering to the /etc directory?

This really isn't anything like a "centralised source of all information"
and certainly not all applications store their config data there.  Sure a
LOT of linux apps WILL use this directory by default, but I don't know of
any apps that FORCE this directory to be used.

> For instance, Lilo has
> its config that lets you actually change the boot... except that you
> need to be ROOT to do it.

Actually, this isn't any more true than your assumption that all linux
config files are stored in the same location.  Lilo, and indeed any other
Linux app can be configured so that ANYONE can run/access it, IF that is
what is desired.

This is one of the major differences between Linux and Windows - With LInux
you can place any file or config options where YOU want, and YOU have total
control over who can (or cannot) execute or change the files.  With windows
you are stuck with the registry, you can't change its location, and only god
knows who has what permissions to access any given file.

> DD>> I trust Symantec not to embed viruses in their data files.
>
> BL> What if it's not actually Symantec?
>
> DD> If they've taken over Symantec then I guess I'm fucked.
>
>  It occurs to me that a false M$ or Symantec home page would be a
> good way to spread a virus.

It's been done.  Not just with Symanantic & M$, but also with Ebay, and
almost any banking site you can mention.

Such sites are usually closed down within hours of them opening.

Cheers
Rod


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