Is running Ubuntu off a USB drive on a public computer considered hacking?

[tamas305]

Opinions, please

I am a Java programmer and I occasionally use public computers (schools, libraries, etc). I have a full install of Ubuntu on a ext3 partition of my USB drive, the other partition is fat32 for windows stuff. If I shut down the windows on the public computer and boot up Ubuntu, is that considered "hacking" per say? Especially to the technologically naive?

-tamas

************************************************** *********
java + eclipse = happiness

[scragar]

It's nothing close by definition, but I'm sure they don't understand that, I once got booted out of a public library for editing some code, apparantly I was hacking the computer from notepad...

[shaggy999]

This is a pretty grey area and you may find that it may be technically permissiable in some counties or states while illegal in others. By booting off a USB key you are technically bypassing any security systems that they may have set in place. If you're caught you may not be hit with a hacking charge but you could be hit with a "unlawful use of a computer" charge instead or something similar. At the very least it could be considered a violation of terms of use.

My recommendation is to get permission up front from your local library or school before booting off a USB stick, but be prepared to be told not to do it.

[Iowan]

The library I use (when I visit my parents) prohibits inserting ANYTHING into their computers - floppys, CD's, USB drives...

[tornadof3]

My recommendation is to get permission up front from your local library or school before booting off a USB stick, but be prepared to be told not to do it.

You're quite right to say ask for permission first. However, if where I live is anything to go by, asking a 50 year old housewife librarian type if you can use the Dell dual core in the corner to reboot into Ubuntu from a USB stick will be met with a look of sheer horror as the tech talk is slowly deciphered, promptly misunderstood and her answer is computed as a simple "no".

[fballem]

You're quite right to say ask for permission first. However, if where I live is anything to go by, asking a 50 year old housewife librarian type if you can use the Dell dual core in the corner to reboot into Ubuntu from a USB stick will be met with a look of sheer horror as the tech talk is slowly deciphered, promptly misunderstood and her answer is computed as a simple "no".

And that may be the correct answer. As someone said earlier, you are bypassing the security systems that are in place on the computer. The computer is a public computer, not your's, and access is granted (or denied) according to the wishes of the owner - whoever is funding the library. The librarian is acting as the agent for the owner.

Think of it this way. If a friend offered to loan you the use of his or her computer provided that you used the software that they had installed so that their computer is protected, would you boot the ubuntu USB stick without asking them first? Hopefully, your answer is 'no'.

The library is loaning you the use of their computer. Booting USB ubuntu, no matter how well intentioned, without prior permission, is unethical.

My 2 cents,

[sedawk]

You are bypassing the existing security measures to get
"administrative access" to the whole computer.
After booting Ubuntu you can really harm the computer, so
this might be regarded as the beginning of an attempt to
hack the computer.
Isn't this worse than "wardialing" the telephone number range of
a company or organization to "hack" into their network?
And isn't this already real hacking?

[scragar]

Isn't this worse than "wardialing" the telephone number range of
a company or organization to "hack" into their network?

I don't think that makes sense, if I boot a liveCD it's because I want something the liveCD offers, not because of some malicious attempt to bypass what rather limited security they have available(which I could break without need for a liveCD in a shorter time than the CD takes to boot if I actually wanted to).

Asking if it is worse than a deliberate attempt to subvert security to want to use an OS and programs that aren't available is just crazy IMO.

[tamas305]

You are bypassing the existing security measures to get
"administrative access" to the whole computer.
After booting Ubuntu you can really harm the computer, so
this might be regarded as the beginning of an attempt to
hack the computer.
Isn't this worse than "wardialing" the telephone number range of
a company or organization to "hack" into their network?
And isn't this already real hacking?

If I intended to harm the public computer it would be much easier if I was booted into Ubuntu because I could access all the files on the system. However, if the usage of Ubuntu is well intentioned then I do not see a wrong in it. Nevertheless, the line between hacking and using Ubuntu on a public computer can be really easy overstepped.

-tamas

[Therion]

Common courtesy would seem to dictate that if you intend to use this public computer in a way that was not really intended, or expected, that you ask for permission. We understand your intentions are honorable (are at least I'm assuming they are) but then we're techo-literates around here (for the most part). The very fact that you're asking the question though, would indicate that you know you should ask first.

Do you run the risk of being "shot down" due to simple ignorance? Yes, you do; but thems the breaks. And you could fight the good fight if you want, in trying to explain... But Librarians are a tough lot, in my experience. By approaching them FIRST, however, you might be able to disarm the knee-jerk "OMG!" reaction and be able actually make your argument. Keep your words small and your explanation childishly simple and you might have a shot.