On Tue, 17 Jun 2014 07:11:26 +0000 (UTC) Duncan <1i5t5.dun...@cox.net> wrote:
> If you want to disable the strong-but-not-all default when it > comes in 4.9, OK, but I'd suggest at least keeping this minimal threshold > of protection, particularly since it /will/ be the default now and thus > there should be if anything fewer problems with it than not. > The problem with all Linux distributions, and not just Gentoo, is that they are directed toward a multi-user, networked environment. As a consequence, they exhibit security and other features that generally make no sense whatsoever for a single-user desktop machine that optionally connects externally only with an ISP through a router/modem. I continually have configuration problems because of the need to work around the useless (vis-a-vis the single-user desktop) and myriad requirements of the multi-user, networked scenario. In the single-user, desktop environment, the probability of a buffer overflow "attack" is virtually nil, especially if one is highly selective about "surfing" the Internet and employing Internet software (which I am). There needs to be a Linux distribution or sub-distribution that caters to the needs of the single, desktop user, ensconced as he is within his private garret and far removed from the troubles of a massive network. My system is configured in a way that is quite contrary to recommended Linux practice (for example I run only and always as the root superuser and have no need for file permissions) but yet it makes perfect sense for my situation. Are single desktop users that much of a minority? I would hope not. Frank Peters
