> If you want to dump your security safeguards, why not > simply use windows? > > a) you're talking a lot of elitist hyperbole. Activating his wireless connection != dumping his security safeguards. that's what firewalls and monkeys with sharp teeth are for. And, in any case, the authentication should be demanded at the other end to prevent preverts and other such nefarious villains connecting to his network.
b) if he does it every time _anyway_ then it's a usability issue rather than a security issue I authenticate myself on my workstation when I get to work. If I had to type in my password to connect to the network.... then the network shares... then the coffee machine... I'd get a little annoyed. Why don't things just work? Linux has quite a few small annoyances like that. While I can appreciate the inherent security issues, I think Linux should and can deliver security and usability. Regards Jonathan Bell
