You lost a new Ubuntu user

[Dotan Cohen]

2008/12/26 HggdH <hggdh2 at gmail.com>:
> Le Thursday 25 December 2008 à 22:40 +0200, Dotan Cohen a écrit :
>> 2008/12/25 Manish Sinha <manishsinha.tech at gmail.com>:
>> > I again repeat the above line since bandwidth is one of the two main
>> > issues, first being the installer connecting to the internet without
>> > user's consent.
>> >
>>
>> Having the network cable plugged in implies consent. If you don't want
>> you computer connecting to a network, then don't plug it in. I have
>> lived in areas of limited and expensive bandwidth, and even for a
>> desktop with the network cable under the desk, it seemed common sense
>> that so long as it was plugged in, something would try to connect.
>
> Sorry, you are generalising from your own perceptions. The original
> complaint was clearly set against going out into the wild Internet
> without asking first (and, <gasp/>, downloading other/new programmes).
>
> I agree with it. If I have a full CD with Ubuntu, I do not expect it to
> get into the Internet without telling me first, no matter what.
>

I also agree that the original complaint was valid. However, if it is
so important to the user that the computer not connect to the network,
then he could be a little responsible himself and pull the cable. That
is what I did when I lived in an area of expensive bandwidth, and it
is what I would do if I were worried about security / remaining
anonymous.

> If being connected is what it takes to get out, then warn/suggest the
> user to disconnect if no such contact is wanted. But never expect
> *implicit*, *implied*, consents to have been given.
>

I agree with this as well. However, like I said, to those whom the
issue is critical there is a more secure solution. Your solution
assumes well-behaved applications. Not all apps are, and those worried
should take that into account.

> The fact that something will try to connect if a connection is available
> is the root of the problem. The default should be *NO* connection unless
> explicitly allowed, be it out or in.
>

Agreed. Our only difference of opinion is whether or not a concerned
user should take a bit of responsibility himself.

-- 
Dotan Cohen

http://what-is-what.com
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