Video discussing Linux vulnerabilities

General discussion Forum. All YDL related question which are not Install or Beginner questions.

Video discussing Linux vulnerabilities

Postby aguilarojo » 08 Feb 2011, 05:35

One of the benefits of using PowerPC and Cell computers was that their design and processing architecture were advanced in their various incarnations such that Yellow Dog Linux was developed by Terra Soft Solutions and later purchased by Fixstars to provide a more extensive and varied operating system beyond what existed commercially. Accessing and utilizing the full features of the PowerPC design (including the Cell) required the recompilation of standard tools available for other operating systems supporting the more popular x86 Intel architecture as tools and programs designed to be run on x86 systems cannot run on PowerPC systems.

The vast universe of software written for x86 Intel based systems makes the software available within Yellow Dog Linux appear to be tiny. The unexpected advantage for YDL users, due to the uniqueness of the PowerPC architecture itself, is that YDL users as a group do not experience the growing problem of malicious software running on x86 based systems which grows exponentially every day because x86 binaries cannot run on PowerPC systems! This fact becomes a stronger benefit for a YDL user if s/he makes the time to learn and master the intricacies of Linux implementing their own improvements or protections as skill deepens.

It takes time to research and understand the scope of the nature of malware affecting Linux. Linux is only as good as the individual user and System Administrator allows it to be regardless whether it is x86 or PowerPC based Linux. The challenge for everyone is for an individual to deepen his/her mastery to utilize Linux to their best advantage while protecting and expanding the value of their work. This takes time to learn, as well as experimentation, and practice.

One of the things which always made Linux, and especially Yellow Dog Linux unique, was the willingness of individuals to go and do the extra work to utilize their computers the way they choose to utilize them. Over the years, the reliance upon individual effort hasn't changed within the Linux universe. It is still true that there is no interest as deep as self-driven interest in defending one's investment whether it be a car or Linux or something else. Some things don't change as much as they require more focused attention at different points of one's life. Hopefully the lecture at the ShmooCon 2011 conference by Jon Larimer from IBM X-Force will prove a useful incentive to implement his observations and recommendations within YDL. Although this conference is obviously directed to those who can understand many advanced technical strategies used in defense and attack of Linux the link can also be used as an initial reference for deeper exploration and proactive involvement in building defenses for the YDL environment one works in and utilizes.

Everything on the Earth has a purpose.
Every disease an herb to cure it.
And every person has a mission.
This is the Indian Theory of Existence.
-- Morning Dove, Salish (1888-1936)
User avatar
aguilarojo
ydl guru
ydl guru
 
Posts: 227
Joined: 06 May 2009, 14:50
Location: New York City

Return to General

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests