Subject: Re: Xconsole
To: Bill Studenmund <wrstuden@loki.stanford.edu>
From: Colin Wood <ender@is.rice.edu>
List: port-mac68k
Date: 04/07/1997 15:13:12
> > I have a question about Xconsole.  When I'm logged on as root, the console
> > sends messages to the Xconcole.  When logged in as a user, the Xconsole
> > can't open the console.  I think it's a permission problem, but I can
> > figure out which one to change.  I've changed some, but can't find the
> > right one.  Any idears?
> 
> I think (hope?) this is in the FAQ.
> 
> By default, only root can re-asign the console (like move it from the text
> screen ttye0 to the xconsole). If you compile a console with
> options UCONSOLE, then anyone can move the console (I think you have to be
> able to write to /dev/console).
> 
> As most of our instalations are one-user machines, could we just put
> options UCONSOLE in the GENERIC config file?

I think that the "inherent security problems" caused by this were the 
reason why it wasn't in there before.  I suppose that you probably don't 
want to ship a kernel that has security leaks built into it by default, 
but if someone wanted to configure a kernel that way, then it's allowed.

Later.

-- 
Colin Wood                                      ender@is.rice.edu
Consultant                                        Rice University
Information Technology Services                       Houston, TX