in reply to A Perl for the Zaurus

While I am in the market for handheld computers that can run Perl, I think I will stay away from the Zaurus line for now.
I saw a link on Root Prompt to a article on a security hole they have. And here is the link to the original advisory posted by Syracuse University.

My thoughts are mine and mine alone.
They did not originate with the voices in my head.
Do not listen to what they say, it's all lies.

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Re: Re: A Perl for the Zaurus
by neophyte (Curate) on Jul 16, 2002 at 11:16 UTC
    To put that into perspective:
    The article lets people believe the built-in ftp-server allows just anyone on the internet access to the Zaurus. Actually it is not that bad: it only allows access to hosts on the same private subnet (which would be your LAN or through the cradle).
    Sharp is working on it, I have heard that in newer ROMs the port 4242 (used for synching) is only used via the cradle. If you use a network card, that port is not open.

    A big PDA Security issue is user dependent, because many people just leave important data unencrypted (passwords, banking data, etc.) although there are some tools available to save such data encrypted.

    And frequent backups keep data loss at bay.

    neophyte Niederrhein.pm

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      I think that they are great for home use. If I could afford it, I would have one of these already.

      I wouldn't trust them in a business environment though. Why risk getting fired?

      My thoughts are mine and mine alone.
      They did not originate with the voices in my head.
      Do not listen to what they say, it's all lies.

[reply]
        To me the Zaurus is not a business gadget just yet. The software has to be improved a lot, until I can say that. Improvements are under way, but I guess it'll take another year or so until the software (security and applications) is mature enough to be seriously used in business.

        At the moment the Zaurus is a geek's gadget, and every owner does what he thinks secures the Zaurus according to his needs.

        My decision was one between a notebook or the Zaurus for my personal use. Though with the Zaurus, I use the calendar for all my appointments.

        By the way - I had to change some passwords some days ago, because a paper notebook had been stolen out of a car.

        neophyte Niederrhein.pm

[reply]

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