From: erc@unislc.uucp (Ed Carp) Subject: Re: Linus security/Non root access Date: 21 Aug 1992 02:06:26 GMT
Frank Pikelner (frank@cs.yorku.ca) wrote:
: I'd like to find out if it is possible to say install several machines to run
: Linux and allow the public to use them. The problem I'm trying to resolve is I
: need the machines to have access to a floppy drive, but I do not want anyone
: to be able to boot the machine using their own floppy, and maybe gain access as
: root.
:
: One solution I can think of is getting a machine that has a password protected
: BIOS, and allows the change in the boot order with the hard drive first. I would
: love to hear other ideas, if any do exist.
Hmmm...you could hack the loader to refuse to load the kernel from
diskette - that might be easier than spending the $$$ to get a machine with
a password protected BIOS. If someone booted MS-DOS from a diskette,
it wouldn't do them any good, anyway, 'cause you can't read a linux
partition from MS-DOS. Not yet, anyway... :)
The loader code is in /usr/src/linux/boot/bootsect.S
-- Ed Carp, N7EKG erc@apple.com 801/538-0177 "This is the final task I will ever give you, and it goes on forever. Act happy, feel happy, be happy, without a reason in the world. Then you can love, and do what you will." -- Dan Millman, "Way Of The Peaceful Warrior"