Hi friends---

Some of you may recall that we have a long-standing tradition
here (dating back to 1998) of summer computer security problems.
Well, we sadly report that this summer is no exception.  

You all are aware that Argento is our only machine with a direct Internet connection outside of BU.  In order for you to get Web access, all outgoing 
Web traffic goes through Argento's proxy server. The proxy server
was not set up securely and was allowing anyone from outside BU to use
argento for anonymous web access, spam, and Internet chat.  The result
was a huge amount of traffic to Argento and several complaints
from ISP's (because malicious activity actually looks like it's coming
from Argento).  It also may be the cause of the several Argento crashes
of the last few weeks. That's the bad news.

The good news is that the problem was easily fixed.

In the process of fixing this security hole, we decided to minimize any 
extra unnecessary loads on Argento.  So, many commonly-used commands
have been DISABLED on ARGENTO in order to make the machine more efficient.

You should NOT be using Argento for anything more than access to our
other machines! Commonly used programs can all be run from
other machines. For a listing of all CPS machines (and other information), 
go to: 

		http://polymer.bu.edu/cpshelp/

The most notable commands that you will no longer be able to run
on argento include:

- netscape     NOTE: For secure transactions, you should change your proxy
               configuration in netscape:
		o Select menu item Edit : Preferences
		o Select Advanced : Proxies
		o Select "Manual Proxy Configuration"
		o Click "View"
		o In the box "Security Proxy:" enter argento.bu.edu
                  and for "Port:" enter 3128
- emacs and xemacs
- ftp
- elm and mail (are not currently disabled, but probably will be soon)

If there are any questions or comments, please let us know.

Thanks, 


Paul and Luis