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Old 10-22-05, 04:28 PM   #24 (permalink)
karmalized
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I guess the idea behind this type of change from a Microsoft point of view, is that they are moving forward with WM5 to make it a more "Full" operating system, with features of full dekstops. As a network admin myself, I would rather my x51v show up on the network as a computer, as that will give the x51v more functionality as computer, then as a simple PDA. Seeing as you have programs like pocket putty, and term service clients on the PDA, they could then be used to expose old weaknesses or make new ones (and trust me, patching security holes due to rogue devices, is a far harder job then most know about).

The question of security becomes one of local security protocols. Due to a change like this by Microsoft, you will probably find more and more admins ban the devices from networks, as it would now be possible to have bluetooth, 802.11, ethernet, viral and multiple other weaknesses on the networks. Not only while you are work, but while carrying a copy of a virus on your PDA from home or from Starbucks or wherever.

I see this as an annoyance for the people who have to abide by network administrators rules, but at the same time it makes the PDA a fully functioning computer. I guess putting Norton's anti-virus, and airscanners firewall would be recommended for those people who will need to explain the new "hole" on the network. As the x51v has enough juice to run anti-virus and firewall programs, I ensure mine has it.
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