[Am-info] Greenpeace throws out Windows --- a social trend?

[Geoffrey]

Sujal Shah wrote:
> On Tue, 2002-05-14 at 21:52, Geoffrey wrote:
> 
>>Hans Reiser wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Remember, critical mass can be very important in these matters, and once 
>>>MS drops below 50% I predict it will go into a total tailspin.
>>>
>>It's not a major addition to critical mass, but....
>>
>>I was talking to my Dr. the other day about the internet in general. 
>>She started asking me various questions about technical hurdles she was 
>>trying to overcome.  Anyway, I noted she indicated she had her whole 
>>network on dsl, no firewall on the gateway machine (windows 2000).  I 
>>suggested she should invest in a simple firewall, noting that she could 
>>use an old P75 with something like Linux or Freebsd.
>>
> 
> Now, keep in mind that I run nothing but Linux on my workstations, and
> have an iBook as my laptop (running OS X).
> 
> I would actually shy away from having an old PC as the firewall machine,
> especially since inexpensive devices from Linksys et al do an admirably
> good job of protecting a home network, and provide all the flexibility
> of a Linux or *BSD firewall (well, most of the flexibility).

Yes, most of the flexibility.  How do I get the linksys device to page 
me when it senses an intrusion?  Based on my discussions she's looking 
for ongoing support, which I'm willing to provide as long as I insure 
reasonable notification.

> 
> The main advantages are noise (in case the firewall box isn't in a
> closet somewhere) and power consumption. :-)  There was a noticeable dip
> in my monthly power bill once I turned off the old P100 and replaced it
> with a Linksys router.

Yeah, but it's not really that much juice.  It is in a closet. :)

> 
> Just a thought for you. 
> 
> My point is just that the solutions are many, and Linux and old PCs
> aren't always economical just because it's Linux.  Also, I think
> purposed devices are better for less experienced users, as it's easy to
> cable everything, and everything has an obvious purpose and simple
> management.

Agreed, and if she was going to be self supporting, I'd say go that 
route.  I've already suggested such a device, but she's looking for 
firewall protection, viri detection, vpn support, and for at least the 
short term, warm and fuzzy hand holding.  Her previous setup had 
firewall software running on each client as well as the primary server. 
Just the same, someone got into the server and trashed it.

> 
> I have a feeling that even in the enterprise space, we'll be moving
> towards purposed boxes for most enterprise needs. 

I agree, and I hope to have my firewall device designed and built soon. :)


-- 
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric@3times25.net

I didn't have to buy my radio from a specific company to listen
to FM, why doesn't that apply to the Internet (anymore...)?