Left behind by YDL?

[Jurvis LaSalle]

On Nov 17, 2004, at 8:45 PM, Eric Dunbar wrote:

>> A) Stick with YDL and hope that v4 comes with the latest stuff (does 
>> it?)
>> and will continue to be actively upgraded;
>> B) Try MacOSX Server and hope that Apple provides timely updates 
>> (what's
>> their record like?);
>> C) Go to the dark(er) side and run Linux on x86 hardware (most places 
>> seem
>> to have rpms for that platform available)?
>
> I've wondered about C myself. There's no real advantage to running a
> server/play toy on a PowerMac Beige tower

I would disagree with you here.   Most linux vulnerabilities (buffer 
overflows) are calculated to crack x86 systems.  By running ppc/linux 
(or any other relatively obscure hw/sw combo), you've dramatically 
increased the level of skill an attacker needs to compromise you.  
There was an interesting interview with a Sony rep on their recent 
decision to go with a ppc/linux server in a critical spot on their DMZ. 
  Here's the link:
	http://www.ppcnux.de/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4119
And here's the relevant portion for those who lack time...

from the article:
> 	• 	Worms/Attacks
>
>  The server can be accessed from the internet - so security was 
> important of course.  Linux is a safe operating system. Nevertheless 
> from time to time  a new security hole is found and needs to be 
> patched.  All automated attacks and worms are usually designed to 
> break into x86 systems.  Even if you patch your system always in time, 
> it gives you a much nicer  feeling to know that your system is kind of 
> immune by design.
>

htwi,
Jurvis LaSalle