Re: linux-ipsec: Re: Summary re: /dev/random

[Henry Spencer]

On 13 Aug 1999, Derek Atkins wrote:
> Um, pardon my ignorance, but what is the point of a diskless,
> keyboardless computer that requires such high security?  If the only
> interface is the network, what good is it?

There are gadgets called "routers" and "firewalls" whose whole reason to
exist is their network interfaces.  They usually lack keyboards and often
lack disks, and the people who install them tend to think about security
quite a bit.

> (although why anyone would build a diskless machine in today's world,
> I have no idea -- it certainly doesn't significantly affect the cost
> of the machine).

It does affect its noise level, power consumption, and reliability.  And
you are underestimating how much it can affect the cost of inexpensive
specialized devices.

                                                          Henry Spencer
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