Well, also, you should consider that Linux is written in C/C++, with
most console based networking tools written in C.
As a result, most of the applications that security folks use are in
Linux for two reasons: 1. Free 2. Able to be reprogrammed to suit
needs.
The fact that you don't need to learn MFCs, Visual Basic, or sometimes
now even .NET means that it is easier to reprogram those open source
tools.
I think this is changing, however. There are quite a few skilled
younger .NET programmers. I do not think it will be long before we see
those kids using programmatic holes in Windows to create more security
tools.
Lastly, I would also encourage someone to learn Windows. There are a
few windows tools that are handy in quite a few situations. Cain and
Able comes to mind.
On 10/17/05, Depp, Dennis M. <deppdm@ornl.gov> wrote:
I think the key statement here is "many have been ported to windows".
If they were ported to windows the needed to exist somewhere else first.
Most of the security tools first become available on Linux. As a result
this is often the platform of choice for security administration. A
second reason is Microsoft's poor track record w.r.t. secuirty. While
Redmond is getting better, their previous poor performance still haunts
them.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Josh Tolley [mailto:eggyknap@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2005 2:59 PM
To: Ramki B
Cc: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: Re: OS to know.
Linux is preferred because the apps security people want to use run on
Linux. Yes, many have been ported to windows, but most of the
scanning, testing, assessment tools that security geeks want to use
are written for Linux.
-Josh
On 10/12/05, Ramki B <bramkie@gmail.com> wrote:
Most of the Security personel use Linux, in fact their laptops have a
Linux
partition for this purpose (even Microsoft guys do this, I have seen
couple
of them).
But I have always wanted to know why linux is prefered?
Ramki
-----Original Message-----
From: John Williams [mailto:ibmros@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 1:42 AM
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: OS to know.
I am a graduate student at George Mason University obtaining
my MS in Information Security and Assurance. What operating
system is used more for security administration in the
private sector versus the government sector?
Pretty much I would like to know what operating system I
should focus on if I wanted to pursue a government career in
security or if I wanted to purse a career in the private
sector. Thanks.
Mark Jacobs
_________________________________________________________________
On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for
advice on how to get there!
http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement
