Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!iuvax!purdue!decwrl!
From: istari@eng.umd.edu (Brad Passwaters : istari)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.ultrix
Subject: Re: DECterm and Secure Keyboard
Message-ID: <8908140426.AA04926@euresis.eng.umd.edu>
Date: 14 Aug 89 04:26:17 GMT
References: <3453@mhres.mh.nl> <2708@decuac.DEC.COM>
Organization: University of Maryland, EE Computer Staff
Lines: 18

Regarding the secure keyboard in DECterm or in Xterm in general.  It serves a
more inportant function then merely focusing keyboard input.  It is supposed
to establish a secure connection between the window in question and the key-
board.  I believe this is done via a XgrabKeyboard call.  The importance of
this is once the call is performed it is much more difficult for Joe User
to intercept the chararters you type.  This option should (in my opinion)
be used when you are typing in your password (using rlogin/telnet and esp. su)
I think the login window on the console of most machines running X windows or 
DEC windows perform this function automatically (ie xdm in X windows).

istari@bacchus.eng.umd.edu                |  Disclaimer:  Can you be sure I even
nobody@universe.cruel.endless             |  exist:  Let alone represent anyone
(Life is .......)                         |  or anything.

                     Answers are a perilous grip on the universe,  
                     they can appear sensible yet explain nothing. 
                                           [Zen Saying]