Why do people switch to Linux 13483

On Tue, 01 Nov 2005 10:18:51 -0500, Bob Hauck

That was just an addition to the example. Even if the system is not a domain member the security subsystem uses ACLs to define precisely how and in what manner each system object is allowed to interact with other system objects. My point being that the default is a long way from "go ahead and mess with me."

This is not just theoretical and irrelevant. I would claim that SELinux is more secure than a regular distribution, hence the name SecurityEnhancedLinux. If that's true, then by extension SELinux's choice to use ACLs, is an indication that ACLs are a better choice wrt to security. You could argue that u-g-o is "good enough" for most users, and that's probably true. However, when it comes to security, even as an average user, when given a choice between "good enough" and something that is "more secure" I know which one I'd choose.

Contrary to what is probably the general perception of my views here in COLA, I'm not really a big fan of Microsoft's policies nor their "atbreastude" in general. My opinions wrt Windows are oriented towards technical analysis, of the issue at hand. Though not always possible, I try as much as I can to segregate Windows the operating system from Microsoft the company.

I don't speak for Microsoft, my *guess* would be as you suggested earlier, fear of alienating users and affecting sales. I agree that it's a bad policy, and I personally wish they would change it.

Okay, I'll drop that in our discussion, though I'm sure you recognize that there are in fact Linux advocates who have in fact put forth that precise claim.

Touche.

I've never said that there were'nt *any* instances of software that needed RunAs in order to run. That being said the vast majority of things run just fine from a regular user account, ones that don't are really more the exception than the rule. Linux has apps that require root privileges, try and sniff packets with ethereal or run tcpdump as a regular user.

Why is me using RunAs to play a game, somehow worse than you needing to either su to root or configure sudo to run tcpdump?

I'll agree with you that Microsoft is much too marketing driven, and that the technical side of the house should have more influence. Though to be fair the same is true in any U.S. company of more than a few dozen people.

I don't think they are completely ignored, I think it's more a matter of marketing has too much power and can modify or overrule their advice except in extreme circumstances.

-- Cheers T.G. Reaper