[mdlug] The new "surface" computer

[Robert Adkins]

-------- Original Message  --------
Subject: Re:[mdlug] The new "surface" computer
From: Morris, Tim <tmorris at ugs.com>
To: MDLUG's Main discussion list <mdlug at mdlug.org>
Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 12:50:57 PM
> Nothing new. It's called marketing. Don't you guys remember when
> Microsoft "invented" the symbolic link? 
>
> Words have no meaning these days.
>
> --  Tim Morris - UGS PLM Software
>   
    Their "symbolic link" isn't even a real "symbolic" link. It's some 
binary crap that contains information about where the real file is. 
This, for some bizarre reason, sometimes comes across as a complete 
surprise to even instructors of computer science classes who are 
familiar with how UNIX Symbolic links function.

    MS does some really crappy things when they copy an original 
idea/concept.

    Did you know that there is a method in the NTFS file system to truly 
and effectively hide files? I forgot the exact name of the feature, I 
believe it's called "slip" something. What it does is allows you to 
"hide" files by filling in the remaining bits of a cluster that aren't 
fully used by the real/visible file. It's slipping a file into/under an 
existing file and it supposedly completely hides the file.

    I have no idea why anyone would consider that a "good" feature that 
would be acceptable in a "secure" environment, since one could use that 
feature to sneak secrets out of a computer network within an otherwise 
benign file.

    -Rob