Re: [tlug] Skype & PaX

[CL <az.4tlug@example.com>]

On 06/19/2012 05:40 AM, David J Iannucci wrote:
> Just noticed that a very new (at least version number very advanced)
> skype 4.0.0.7 has recently appeared in portage (Gentoo's package mgt
> system). First reaction is surprise: since MSFT bought Skype last year,
> I've thought that this foreshadowed the death (or at least stasis) of
> the Linux client. Happy to see apparent progress, and if it is really a
> sign that (haven't tried the thing yet) they are unifying the codebases
> across platforms, even better.
>
> One thing about this new version is that it has a USE (read: config)
> flag to enable "paxmarking of the binary". I looked up PaX - sounds like
> a good thing, on quick skim of Wikipedia page. But it looks kinda
> dead-ish. Checked my kernel config - no items containing the string
> /pax/. Is this relevant any more? Is it only relevant to SE or
> "hardened" distros? If it's a dead thing, I wonder why it suddenly
> appears as a build option for a brand new Skype client....
>
> Dave

True, according to ZDNet:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/microsoft-unexpectedly-ships-a-new-version-of-skype-for-linux/11229?tag=search-results-rivers;item1

but, you may also want to check out this blog:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/skype-jumps-the-shark-seven-alternative-voip-services/2488?tag=search-results-rivers;item2

Apologies for wrapping, if it comes through wrapped at your end.

--
CL