Slashdot Mirror


User: vwjeff

vwjeff's activity in the archive.

Stories
0
Comments
487
First seen
Last seen
Profile
(view on slashdot.org)

Comments · 487

  1. As a Trustix User... on Trustix, a Worthy Contender? · · Score: 2, Informative

    Disclaimer: I am not a Trustix employee but do believe in using the best tool for the job. For example, I am writing this from a new iMac (which I love.)

    I use Trustix on my servers because it is designed specifically for servers. Unlike other distros, Trustix is completely CLI and bloat is minimal. By default, a base system is installed (basic GNU Utilities, and sshd.) The default config files for any installed service were created with security in mind. For example, sshd does not allow root login. Also, services are disabled by default. If you installed Samba along with the base system, smbd would not run at boot. I don't like to spread marketing propoganda but this link provides some usable information among the marketing department's BS.

    Swup is my favorite feature of Trustix. Swup is to Trustix as Apt is to Debian. Swup offers the same features of Apt, dependency checking, software removal, ect. but Trustix is an RPM based distro. Before updating the system, a PGP key is checked and compared on the system and the remote server. IIRC, Trustix can trace its roots to Red Hat, as many other distros are such as SuSE can. My first experience with a Linux distro was with Red Hat, many years ago. I could use Fedora or CentOS but IMHO, they are bloated when compared to Trustix.

    Finally, Trustix has a basic roadmap for future releases. I know that a year and a half from now, Trustix will no longer be releasing packaged updates for my TSL (Trustix Secure Linux) version. Also, there is only one type of TSL version available. If you or your company decides to purchase support for TSL, your PHB will be able to feel warm and cozy. The product you will be using is the exact same product you can download from trustix.org for free. If you are the sysadmin and PHB like me, support is not needed. I am lucky because I am basically my own boss. My only two objectives are using minimal monetary resources and maintaining a secure and stable IT infastructure. My superior feels that the Sysadmin is able to choose the best products and tools to follow these objectives. I respect him, he respects me, and I am happy with my job.

    Members of the trustix.org mailing list are always willing to give help when needed. Surprisingly, if an issue cannot be resolved by list members, Trustix.com employees often step in to help. If I were to leave or be moved to a different position (hopefully promoted), support could be purchased for the existing system if needed.

    I know that Trustix is a funny name but give it a try. At home I've got a 300 Mhz Celeron with 64 MB RAM running Trustix 2.2. I has 2x200 GB drives using software RAID 1. I have it configured as a Samba PDC for the Windows boxes in the house my family uses. I'm currently working on connecting my new iMac to the Domain. We have four PCs which use it for authentication and home directories; performance is never an issue. I have a duplicate box minus the 2x200 GB hard drives which I use for testing and it also runs Trustix 2.2. Give it a try.

  2. Re:What about IE? on Slashdot Firefox Extension · · Score: 1

    Too bad that use IE. T.T

    Perhaps you should check out the Firefox toolbar. It's available from: http://www.mozilla.org/ I've found that it makes my IE sessions much faster with fewer crashes. Kudos to Microsoft!!
  3. Re:Terabits per second!? on New Data Transmission Speed Record · · Score: 1

    A measurement everyone understands? Like how much porn?

    The summary said it. 60 DVDs per second. At that speed you could get every porn DVD ever made in about 3 years. When can I start?

  4. Re:The Supreme Court takes a step forward. on Supreme Court Declines to Hear Obscenity Case · · Score: 1

    please add "grow plants and smoke them"...

    You can legally do this but you need a stamp...nevermind.

  5. Re:Oblig. Futurama on No New Series of Futurama · · Score: 1

    "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the angry dome."

  6. Re:Another great service... on Futurama Returns · · Score: 1

    Exactly. Even though I've seen all the episodes I still watch them on Cartoon Network. All hail Zoidberg!!!

  7. Found Him... on U.S. Army Robots Break Asimov's First Law · · Score: 1

    vwjeff@terrorfighter /$ rm /bin/laden
    rm: cannot remove `/bin/laden': No such file or directory

    Nevermind. I guess my Linux box isn't the only one who can not find Bin Laden. Perhaps I'll:

    vwjeff@terrorfighter /$ rm -drf /

    just to make sure he's gone.

  8. Re:Shocking, but true... on ISP Fined $5000 For Hate Content · · Score: 1

    I guess it's time to invade 'em, huh? That's what I've been saying for years. Who's with me?

  9. Hairy Lobster? on New "Hairy Lobster" Crustacean Discovered and Classified · · Score: 4, Funny

    I've heard of a hairy clam but never a hairy lobster.

  10. UNIX App Support... on Microsoft Confirms 6 Versions of Vista · · Score: 1

    Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications enables users to run UNIX applications unchanged on a Windows Vista Enterprise-based PC.

  11. Fair Trade.... on Canada's CD Tax Out of Hand? · · Score: 1

    We go to Canada for the cheap drugs, they come here for the cheap CDs. Sounds fair to me.

  12. iTunes is a Monopoly.... on Apple Antitrust Case Gets Green Light · · Score: 3, Funny

    If iTunes were to use a format like, let's say WMA, there would not be a problem. *puts on body armor*

  13. Re:I hate to be negative... on Troubled Times at Gateway · · Score: 1

    Remember Packard Bell? You sir have ruined my evening. Packard Bell was the bastard child of the computer industry.

  14. Re:Of Mice and Men? on Bullying Affects Social Status? · · Score: 1

    Perhaps not if you promised furry rabbits.

  15. Re:MOD PARENT UP on 20th Century Warmest In 1200 Years · · Score: 2, Informative

    The parent does make a great point however I still see global warming as a theory. 1,200 years is nothing when compared to the climate history of our planet. A better measure regarding climate change are ice cores. A great article can be found here I think 740,000 years is a much better measure than 1,200. According to the article, during this period the Earth has experienced 8 seperate "ice ages" followed by a brief period of warming. The question we should be asking is what causes these natural warming and cooling periods. If we can link natural events or patterns to climate change, the current stiuation can be understood better. I think the most likely cause of climate change is Earth's changing orbit around the Sun.

  16. Re:Once again... on IE 7.0 Beta 2 Available to the Public · · Score: 1

    Microsoft cannot survive developing new features at its current pace. 5 years between releases for SQL server and and 3 years for most other applications is too much. I would argue that part of the reason Microsoft keeps their marketshare fairly consistent is because of long release cycles. I know in the past Microsoft released an OS just because (Win ME) but I think they realized that most customers will never upgrade their computer after they buy it. Since the vast majority of PCs come with Windows, why would they want to shake the market up with yearly OS releases? Instead, they focus on keeping their OEM partners happy. A large number of Linux distros are the complete opposite. Releasing a new or updated OS every 6 months to a year will equal less acceptance in the corporate desktop market. The software may be free but supporting constant upgrades is not. Constant upgrades are ok for the enthusiast (myself) but I manage 500 workstations at work. Basically, we never plan on upgrading the OS when we buy a new computer. We generally keep workstations for 3-5 years and upgrading the OS even every other year would be a tough sell for the boss. Just keeping the Windows systems patched and up to date is enough work! I personally am a Debian user because I respect their release model. Even though I only have two Linux boxes at home, I don't want to have to constantly maintain them. All jokes aside, I use Debian because I want my software to be rock solid. Stability is far more important to me than performance. I'm not trying to start a flamewar. I have used many other distros out there but it always seemed like my system was a release behind the current version.

  17. Re:Now we just need wireless power! on Wireless USB hubs · · Score: 5, Funny

    All we need now is wireless power! Heh. Perhaps you should investigate a new device called the battery.

  18. Re:Then in the US on Study: Waking Up Like Being Drunk · · Score: 1

    ... waking up should be forbidden for persons younger than 21 years ;o) In some places it is not forbidden but seen as taboo. Specifically, this place is kown as college.

  19. Re:nearly unlimited funding on When Bugs Aren't Allowed · · Score: 1

    Wow. Quality software. Who would have thought? I hope this trend continues. The software business is still a somewhat young industry. Customers want the latest and greatest but do not consider quality as a selling poing for the most part. More power to Praxis and other firms who truely understand the definition of quality.

  20. Reality Check... on How To Enable Mom w/ Encrypted E-Mail? · · Score: 1, Informative

    The law which enables the President to "spy" has been on the books since 1978. The scope of the law was expanded in 1994 and 1998. The EFF has a great writeup about the law which can be found here There are certain requirements that must be met before a "warrant" is issued by a judge. In reality it is really not a warrant because the person investigated is unaware of the pseudo-warrant. Please read the EFF writeup so you have a better understanding of your rights. Blaming this law on the current administration is unproductive and misguided. The law was passed under a democrat administration (Carter) and expaned under another democrat administration (Clinton) We can bitch and moan about the current administration and their use of the law. This doesn't change the fact that the it is on the books. I have already contacted my representatives regarding this law. I am glad the NYTs shed light on this because I would not have known about it otherwise. Disclaimer: I don't support the Democrats or the Republicans. I am a Libertarian. You don't have to vote for a giant douche or turd sandwich you know.

  21. Common Mistake... on Xbox 360 File System Decoded · · Score: 1

    (Only liars from marketing departments use it :-) I hate to point out mistakes in posts but this one was obvious. The above sentence should have been written as follows: Only marketing departments use it. This is a common mistake. It is generally accepted that marketing = lies.

  22. Re:configuring apache #1 complaint, still unaddres on Apache Comes With Too Much Community Overhead? · · Score: 1

    ...I've been left with a disgustingly horrible taste in my mouth afterwords. MUST...RESIST... That's what she said.

  23. Re:Loss Leader on Google Offers Free WiFi for Mountain View, CA · · Score: 1

    How can google profit from this venture? The article doesn't say what kind of "premium services" they are going to charge for, but I wouldn't see what services the average google-wifi user will pay for that the non-google wifi user won't. You've got to be kidding. Google, first and foremost, is an advertising company. Right now, the only data available to Google is from searches using their service. Just think of the data mining possibilities of a Google ISP. Oh look, 15% of our users visit this site on a regular basis. We now have statistics to show a company in order to pursuade them to use our advertising services. This paticular user, who is identified by their MAC address, loves the Asian Midget Porn. Let's target advertisements to this user when they make searches. This is the one reason why I will never use free internet access at home. A company is not going to provide a free service and expect nothing in return. I pay for internet access because I expect a level of privacy. If my expectations are broken, I can take my business to another company.

  24. This came to mind... on Intel Roadmap Update: The Art of Naming Processors · · Score: 1

    I agree that Intel's new naming scheme is confusing at best. Perhaps they should name their processors based on performance instead of clockspeed. The equivilent of an Athlon 64 3800+ could be called Pentium 3800++ Codename, Ass-kicker (Extra plus added by the Marketing Department) (Codename also created by Marketing)

  25. Re:Could CO2 be better used in sealed greenhouses? on Storing Liquid CO2 in the Oceans? · · Score: 2, Interesting

    That is an interesting idea. The only problem I see with such a system is the size of the greenhouse needed.

    I think the best solution right now is to plant trees, cut down trees, and replant trees. If we could create a tree that matures quickly, it would help reduce CO2 and help preserve natural forests.

    I am a strong supporter of tree farms. Every tree represents CO2 taken out of the air.