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How to write a Linux virus in 5 easy steps

Posted Feb 12, 2009 9:03 UTC (Thu) by renox (guest, #23785)
In reply to: How to write a Linux virus in 5 easy steps by jengelh
Parent article: How to write a Linux virus in 5 easy steps

Not only a PEBKAC.. 'rm -Rf' works because the command name is obscure, telling users to type 'delete -recurse -noconfirm' would be far less successful..

I'd argue that a sensible designer should choose meaningful name for dangerous actions.
[ Yes I know that 'cp /dev/zero /dev/hda' would work too but for this to work you need to be root ]

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Posted Feb 12, 2009 15:43 UTC (Thu) by jhardin (guest, #3297) [Link]

> telling users to type 'delete -recurse -noconfirm' would be far less successful.

You're assuming that they know what "recurse" means. :)
If you're going to be verbose in an attempt to shield unsophisticated users, don't lose sight of your target audience.

delete --subfolders --noconfirm

How to write a Linux virus in 5 easy steps

Posted Feb 12, 2009 16:13 UTC (Thu) by jengelh (subscriber, #33263) [Link]

Directories, directories. Shitty Windows "folder" terminology, even Microsoft once knew better during DOS times.

How to write a Linux virus in 5 easy steps

Posted Feb 13, 2009 8:04 UTC (Fri) by muwlgr (guest, #35359) [Link]

What about that thing called "Active" Directory ? :>

How to write a Linux virus in 5 easy steps

Posted Feb 13, 2009 9:49 UTC (Fri) by jengelh (subscriber, #33263) [Link]

That's probably a circumscription for a reiser-backed data storage, because normal directories are pretty much static and inactive by themselves.
(SCNR-reiser-joke-after-everybody-else-had-theirs-already.)