Smack, crack, hack and track any network with Linux (not Windows)

By David M Williams
Saturday, 04 October 2008 11:29

Opinion and Analysis

The very technology underpinning the Internet – TCP/IP – came to life in the world of UNIX. It's no surprise that the best network "auditing" (ie snooping!) tools are to be found on Linux, and not that Johnny-come-lately, Windows. Here is the reason why Windows is crippled by comparison.

This month’s topic is “I didn’t know you could do that in Linux” and I’ve been talking about open source software and general aspects of Linux that can enhance the experience of those using it.

My colleague and good buddy Alex Zaharov-Reutt has noted that pretty much all open source software, while possibly developed primarily by Linux users, comes in a Windows flavour too. I guess the Linux philosophy does encourage sharing.

So, I said “Linux has a great IM client,” and Alex said, “Yep, it’s available for Windows too.” I said “Linux has a great RSI-prevention package,” and Alex said, “Yep! Windows does too.” So I said, “Gaylords say ‘what’” and Alex said ... ok, maybe I have paraphrased a little.

Alex does make a good point. It’s one thing to compare open source software against proprietary competitors and argue that Linux gives you a wealth of software for free, but the strength of that argument is diluted if the same options are also available to Windows users.

Granted, Linux makes it easier – OpenOffice and Dia, for two examples, are pre-bundled with most Linux distros. Even if they’re not, Linux has a dead simple package management system which lets you easily find, download and install these pieces of software. It will also keep all your software up-to-date with one command instead of having to manually check each item for new releases.

However, a “Linux vs Windows” argument on open source applications (the operating system is a different matter) really becomes a platform-independent “open source vs proprietary” argument.

That’s where working with sharp-minded colleagues like Alex is great; it keeps you on your toes and makes you think harder how to make a robust point. But I think I’ve done it. I’m sure you’ll tell me, dear readers, and Alex too, if I’m wrong. However, I know Windows is crippled on this topic so I’m pretty confident.

Hacking. Cracking. Two words which are often used interchangeably for activities largely considered nefarious. These terms aren’t synonymous however. Nor do they even necessarily share the same skillset.

Both may seek to circumvent limitations but hackers are interested in how things work. Crackers are seeking malicious intent or personal gain.

On the corporate side, circumventing security isn’t always a bad thing. There is a legitimate field known as “penetration testing” which is company-sanctioned hacking and cracking into its own infrastructure – to find what’s weak before the bad guys do.

Linux is rife with top-notch tools to aid in the penetration testing process. Windows even has a motza of tools too. But quantity isn’t the thing here. It’s quality. Let’s check out why Linux has it all over Windows in this area.

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