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Learning a New OS... and Fast!?
Inexile2002 asks: "I've been asked to assist a consultant on a project using VMS and basically have four days to figure out enough that I'm actually of some use. (We're not doing development, just security reviews, so I'm not totally screwed.) Originally I was going to ask for advice on how to start teaching myself VMS from scratch including best books and support websites when I realized that there is a more generic issue here. What are people's thoughts on learning a new OS and learning it fast? Have people found optimal ways to pick things up quickly, get a familiarity with commands and underlying logic? How about learning the basics when you can't actually install and play with the OS in question?"
IMO. Just think of how much time you need to know before beginning to understand how to properly secure a system. People could use Linux for months to do all they need, and still not have a good idea of permissions, daemons and other security elements.
I've never used VMS, but I'm completely sure it's a system with its own quirks, security features and comon configuration errors that result in security problems.
My own opinion is that when possible I'll never get into this situation. I can and do admit I don't know everything, and if possible would try to get out of a situation when I'm pretty sure I won't be helpful. If you can't do that I think you should try to find a guru who'll give you some basic knowledge. But I still think that in 4 days you can't learn much about security.