Subject: Re: Platform
From: Jim Gribbin (jgribbin@alaska.net)
Date: Mon Feb 17 2003 - 01:03:31 AKST
I can't find anything about a 'promis' hack. The only way your computer
can be turned on remotely is if YOU install hardware to enable it. eg;
wake-on-modem, wake-on-lan. If you don't set-up your computer with the
ability, it won't have it. And I don't know of any consumer-computers
that come with this already set-up.
Surge protectors can't be activated remotely over the net.
Suse has a tool called Yast2 that should be able to help you with
updates, security and otherwise. Look for part with the 'online
updates'.
Macs are now running a variant of BSD and BSD has always been considered
somewhat more secure than Linux, but Apple has also made it more 'user
friendly' which usually reduces security, so I don't know where they
stand comparatively. I don't know that OS-X has been out long enough
where anyone really knows yet.
Jim Gribbin
On Sun, 2003-02-16 at 22:55, Terrance Thomascik wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I'm a linux newbie, but have been paying attention to the e-mail, and
> learning alot. I'd like to take classes on red hat, etc, but won't have time
> till after March. So I don't know how to upgrade my suse and linux programs
> for online security warnings I've seen, or execute the patches for the
> systems. My only training was cobol and fortran in high school 67. I have
> done front page ms successfuly. Some experience with Heath kit for ham
> radio. I'm trying to change to linux full time at some point in time.
> I read that government agencies are switching back to MAC platforms
> because ibm/pc platforms have been compromised by something callled the
> PROMIS software. Back door programs can be used to reach into a dormant pc
> via modem connection, turn it on, and download everything with no one the
> wiser.
>
> 1- are linux programs suceptible with their platforms?
>
> 2- the power to my computer and everything, is turned off manually from
> my surge protector. Can it be activated remotely ? ( i don't think so, but I
> know wireless is very open, security wise, to use by anyone with knowledge
> of it.)
>
> I hope the linux programs aren't suceptible so I have to get a MAC.
>
> Terry Thomascik
>
>
>
>
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