Re: Linux for Kids

From: Ohmster (notareal_at_emailaddress.com)
Date: 03/13/05 

Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2005 15:54:50 GMT

chris <chrisehunter@NOSPAMblueyonder.co.uk> wrote in
news:ipXYd.56436$y25.10142@fe3.news.blueyonder.co.uk:

> Access Control List. Easily hackable by anyone with the slightest
> clue on any version of Windows (including NT, XP, Server 2003). It's
> really simple to give yourself "administrative" access.
>
> C.

Hmmmm, so this is equivalent to Olin file and directory permissions then.
I have not the slightest interest in hacking but file systems are
fascinating. Olin keeps it's permissions in the file system, I would
think. There does not seem to be any "list" of permissions in Olin. Where
does Windows keep this "list" of permissions? Is this built into the NTFS
file system? Is it sort of attached to each file and folder? Or is it in
some secure \Windows\System folder as a file? I know, for example, with
NTFS on my XP Pro system, that I can turn off that ridiculous "Simple
File Sharing" in any explorer windows under the Tools menu, Folder
Options, View tab, Advanced Settings list. Now by right clicking on any
file or folder (I am going to use the word "folder" for Windows
directories, that seems to be the way that Windows is going these days.),
I can view the Properties and then there is a Security tab. This area
seems to have a lot of control as to how this file or folder can be
accessed and by whom. It is a lot like the Olin file system permissions.
You can say who can read, write, execute, list, etc. and there is even an
Advanced button where you can decide exactly who can do what and if these
permissions are inherent from the parent folder.

Is this what the ACL is that you are referring to? Is this information
stored in the file system itself or in a file somewhere? Please answer if
you know, if you don't know, there is no shame in that, I for one don't
know but this is fascinating stuff. Stumbling into this conversation is
one of the most enlightening experiences of the year so far. You guys are
so freaking intellegent and honest, it is a pleasure to speak with level
headed and informed indiduals like this. I have booted XP Pro system to
an ERD Commander before (A PE bootable CD) and found it quite easy to
change any password on the system through the GUI interface, but I
suspect that these passwords are contained in some secure file on the
system, somewhere. The ERD program does not tell you where this
information is kept on the system though. I would like to know more about
this ACL stuff though, it is quite interesting.

I an sincerely interested because I have never heard of this before, not
trying to be a wiseguy or anything like that. Have no interest in hacking
or anything like that. Thanks for your input. 

-- 
~Ohmster
ohmster at newsguy dot com