Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 02:02:19 -0700 From: Tim Gerchmez <fewtch@serv.net> To: Sue Blake <sue@welearn.com.au> Cc: David Wolfskill <dhw@whistle.com>, freebsd-newbies@FreeBSD.ORG Subject: Re: A first encounter with 'vi' Message-ID: <3.0.5.32.19980619020219.007fc9c0@mx.serv.net> In-Reply-To: <19980619115247.49675@welearn.com.au> References: <3.0.5.32.19980618163903.007f6640@mx.serv.net> <199806171941.MAA05868@pau-amma.whistle.com> <3.0.5.32.19980618163903.007f6640@mx.serv.net>
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At 11:52 AM 6/19/98 +1000, Sue Blake wrote: >True, but consider how PCs are used these days. My server has no need for >a floppy drive, CD, mouse, sound card, etc. It just needs a hard disk a >screen and a keyboard, so that's what it's got. You had to have installed a master boot record on the hard drive at some point, and set up some networking software. So you must have had a floppy drive of some sort in there at one time or another. I don't know about your PC, but mine is in an Enlight case with most internal peripherals installed on sliding runners. If I wanted to set it up that way, I could slide in a disk drive, hook it up, install some software, unhook the drive, then slide it back out again and close up the case in under 3 minutes (screwless). So anyway, if we're talking emergencies, although it would be both easier and faster to use vi, a method of accessing a floppy disk could be achieved, although it might take far more time than just using vi would have. Therefore, claims that learning vi is a 'necessity' are overstated bunk, IMO. Human beings are endlessly resourceful, and if I needed a way to edit a file on a system without using vi, I would find a way. >I'm not going to want to >boot off a floppy, so why should I leave that option available to any >potential intruder or pokey visitor? If you're away long enough, and your PC's case isn't sealed with steel rivets or locked together (even locks can be picked, however), they can get inside it within one or two minutes, faster for someone experienced at it. *True* security involves taking some extraordinary measures that I doubt you have done (although you haven't said one way or another) P.S... Why don't you think the need to boot off a floppy may come up some time? BSD may be very stable, but if you think it's PERFECT, think again. If the network dies on the BSD end (say a configuration file or two gets corrupted), you may need that floppy. >It's not just a matter of being ubiquitous. You also need something you >can use when the system is so screwed that the only thing you can mount >is the root filesystem. Vi is the only editor available on the root filesystem of most Unix systems? BTW, who ever said I planned to become a Unix system administrator for other people's PC's? It's almost been assumed that's the case during this whole discussion. For chrissakes, I'm a newbie playing with a free OS on a personal machine at home. Perhaps in a week (although probably not) I'll erase it off my hard drive and go try GEOS or FreeDOS or some other OS instead, just for kicks and for the learning experience. -- My web site starts at http://www.serv.net/~fewtch/index.html - lots of goodies for everyone, have a look if you have the time. To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-newbies" in the body of the message
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