[oclug]Pimpin' Linux

[gabriel]

> This goes without saying.  The real world issue with this is that most
> people operating systems are NOT competent admins, and the "ease of use
> bar" being somewhat higher in Linux, has the consequences of making the
> average Internet-connected Linux box a tougher target that the average
> Internet-connected Windows box.  The open source world _seems_ to be more
> aware of vulnerabilities due to peer pressure, community communication like
> this and "geek chick".

not to be a big troll (is that the right term?) but one thing i'm always 
worrying about with my linux box is being hacked...  something i never had to 
worry about running windows.  this isn't because windows is somehow "more 
secure" (gods know it isn't), but rather that windows is less of a target 
because it isn't much of a prize to hack if it's just a desktop box belonging 
to "joe sixpack" so he can surf for his porn.  linux boxes mean the 
possibility of a spamserver, or a warez server, or just a remote shell to use 
as a stage for an attack.  windows machines just don't have this capability, 
and like it was mentioned above, often don't come with any services enabled.  
therefore, you're less of a target.

most windows users have no idea what a firewall is and really don't need one, 
wheras the first time i tried linux (suse) i was hacked inside of a week...

-- 
you're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism
that you can't face reality. wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.
  - malcolm x