linux

Jack Wallen takes a challenge head on with his post on questions you need to ask before moving to Linux.

I love Linux myself, but that does not mean that I have migrated all my systems. I run several systems on Linux, and I have clients doing the same. Still I find it useful to run Windows on many occasions, and more importantly, I have a few situations where I have no choice but running Windows.

One such situation is a booking platform for one of my customers. The platform itself is developed using Java, and is remotely hosted. The platform developer has not bothered to port the solution to Linux (or anything else, for that matter), even considering it should be an easy task. Of course, most of their customers are not aware that there are alternatives to Windows, but this very client would actually prefer to run their workstations on Linux. (Yes, I know we could use Wine etc, that is not an alternative atm).

For this very customer, Linux would be a great choice because it would enable us to harden the system in order to stop users messing about and installing malware etc. But, due to the booking system, their computers will keep running Windows XP with full administration rights for every user. Duh.

Technorati Tags: Linux, Windows

Occasionally I meet people who thinks being a hacker is a romantic endeavor. And often, they are interested in learning how to become a hacker themselves.

My answer is usually that it takes a lot of hard work, great interest and patience. Since most people - at least the wannabe hackers - do not realize what hard work means, thinking they have a great interest, and just forgets about patience, they push on:

"Oh, tell me, how can I learn to hack?! Can you teach me? Please, please, pretty please!!!"

I guess you know what I mean.

Most of the time I just tell them to learn how to use the computer, and then get back to me. But some are more persistent than others. And that is when I tell them to set up a *ux box to play around with. And when they get back to me and want me to teach them *ux...

Of course, I cannot let them know that although I have been playing with *ux since 1994/1995, I hardly know my way around. In their eyes, I am still the GOD of computers, and who would want them to think otherways?

So, instead of embarrasing myself, I point them to some of my secret resources - like this one. It makes Linux for Dummies look like a book for doctorates. Almost. After all, I can only dream of them actually buying a book and study...

I don't know much, but I know that only by learning and practicing can you develop your skills. So, if you wanna be a hacker, start practicing!

hacking, linux

If you are in need of root password to the LiveCD *nix distro you just downloaded, this resource may be of help for you.

I know I need them from time to time, and usually when I do, I miss a "one-stop-shop" like this one :)

Thank you Benny!