Re: [cobalt-users] Safety vs Power

[elmer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

On Mon, 12 Feb 2001, Jay Jennings wrote:

} I just ordered a Raq3 -- it'll be my first dedicated server. I've been
} subscribed to this list for only a day but I'm kind of worried...it seems
} like hacking RaQs is an epidemic and getting them to run correctly is an
} all-day, every day job.

	I can't argue with the all-day, every day job, comment.
Regardless of what type of equipment you run or the promises made by
the manufacture, running a live server requires a great deal of time
and a considerable amount of expertise.

	But, as far as getting hacked goes... Cobalt's are not any
easier to hack than any other appliance like server or OS is. The
same exploits exist on many other servers. While more Cobalt's
seemed to be hacked, without intending to insult anyone, most of
this can be attributed to the lack of expertise the average Cobalt
owner posses.

	The trick, if I may call it that, is to do your homework.
The exploits that are being mentioned on this list have been known
for some time. While Cobalt puts certain limitations on the box
owner, there is much you can do to keep your Cobalt server running
true and smooth.

	If I was going to colocate a server I'd find myself someone
who is running a nice tight well managed and properly configured
network and who is willing and capable of assisting you when
the need arises. Contrary to popular belief, there's much more to
this than simply plugging a server appliance into an ethernet port
and raking in the money.

	That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. Quite the contrary in
fact. But perhaps it should mean that you might want to find out
why there is a market for routers, switches, bandwidth managers,
firewalls and the like and why many small web hosting companies
have the first few slots in their rack or cage filled with stuff
like I just mentioned.

	We don't do colocations here so it isn't like I'm trying to
drum up business, I'm just suggesting that when picking a slot for your
Cobalt your decision might be best based on factors beyond price,
bells and whistles, the shape of the providers buttocks or whatever.

	That's just my opinion... flames go directly to the bit
bucket so feel free...