[KLUG Members] Big Net and Redworm mania

[Adam Tauno Williams]

>>I don't know if I am the only BigNet DSL subscriber on this list,  but
>>last night they decided to block the ports for WWW and SMTP (inbound) in
>>order to alleviate the problems with "vulnerable" residential systems. 
>A lot of ISPs are also blocking ports outbound, like SMTP, so you are
>FORCED to use their outgoing mail server.  You cannot run your own,
>and you can't use anyone else's.  They claim this is to cut down on
>spam, so spammers can't use unauthorized relays.

I don't see how it reduces virii, worms, etc... either.  It seems ignorant and
wrong headed.  Unless they are scanning the SMTP traffic (want to make me truly
pissed off?) the attachments just continue sailing about.  If my fudged up IIS
applett or my Outlook uses there SMTP server or whatever how the heck to they
know the difference.

>If this really cut down on spam, I wouldn't be so upset, but I'm 
>getting the same amount of spam, if not more, than I normally do.
>At least, you can run your SSH & HTTP server on different ports 
>that aren't blocked.  It probably wouldn't do much good to run
>sendmail on a different port.  :-)

They haven't blocked SSH (yet).  I wouldn't much care about HTTP.  But SMTP? 
What the hell are you supposed to do?  Does your average WinXX box even listen
for SMTP?  I wouldn't think so unless you've installed M$-Exchange.

Anyway I submitted it to Slashdot (although I doubt they'll post it).  E-mail
BigNets management.  E-mailed some Linux/BigNet users I found on www.google.com.
 And if I don't hear back real soon I'm filling out a complaint with Consumer
Affairs.

Systems and Network Administrator
Morrison Industries
1825 Monroe Ave NW.
Grand Rapids, MI. 49505