[SC-L] Andy Tanenbaum on Linux's origins and security

["Kenneth R. van Wyk" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>]

Andy Tanenbaum, the author of the MINIX operating system, recently posted an 
opinion piece on the origins of Linux.  It's a fascinating albeit somewhat 
lengthy read -- see http://www.cs.vu.nl/~ast/brown/ for the full text.  

At the very end of the document, he talks about the security of a microkernel 
system like (his own) MINIX vs. that of a monolithic kernel like Linux.  He 
writes, "With all the security problems Windows has now, it is increasingly 
obvious to everyone that tiny microkernels, like that of MINIX, are a better 
base for operating systems than huge monolithic systems. Linux has been the 
victim of fewer attacks than Windows because (1) it actually is more secure, 
but also (2) most attackers think hitting Windows offers a bigger bang for 
the buck so Windows simply gets attacked more. As I did 20 years ago, I still 
fervently believe that the only way to make software secure, reliable, and 
fast is to make it small. Fight Features."

Cheers,

Ken
-- 
KRvW Associates, LLC
http://www.KRvW.com