Originally posted by: Cerb
Try neither. I'm using Win2k and like it. I'll probably get XP once SP2 is out. However, to do many of the stupid things that the mail-born virii and worms require to propagate, you'd need the root PW in linux.Originally posted by: blurredvision
Sounds as if needing the root password to change something as little as a resolution is why Linux will not catch on with the mainstream. Besides, I don't believe your point about having to have a password for everything validates the point you are trying to make (although I'll admit, I do not know much about it, only what I've read).Originally posted by: CerbEr, no.
How many times do you need the admin password to do things to your windows box that could harm it? Only when altering user profiles.
You need it for practically everything in linux. Want to go from 1024x768 to 1280x1024? Where's that root password, sonny?
N0c: yeah, bad example. You still need it to change to resolutions outside of those selected for the video card or monitor.
Also, there are new IIS vulnerabilities about, rather than Apache vulnerabilities. Hmmm. Let's do math. IIS is in the minority. Apache is the majority. Yet IIS gets attacked. Maybe it is easier to do so?
As for your analogy between server software and operating systems, I wouldn't quite put server software in with operating systems and their vulnerabilities. Two different beasts IMO (the way I'm looking at it anyhow).
Although you may have some points in you somewhere, I picture you as either a die-hard Linux user, or a die-hard Microsoft hater. I'll guarantee no one will ever be able to convince you that Linux (or any other non-MS OS) has a flaw.
What type of access do worms and virii need to propagate that's restricted on linux, but not on windows? I am currently using windows xp. I need the root password if I want to make any system-wide changes, install programs, or change the registry. I can't access the root folder, I can't change shortcut paths in the start menu, I can't change what programs load at startup. I can use the programs on the start menu, run executables that don't change any system files, and change gui related settings for my user only. Seems to me like windows also requires the root password for worms and virii to do the stupid things they need to propagate.
I tend to lump most computer problems into that big category known as "user error". I'm sure if linux was the most popular OS, there would be tons of people running exclusively as root. When it comes down to it, linux users are just more computer savvy than windows users. Take people who are not adept at using computers, put them in front of a computer, and problems are going to occur.
dfi