Open-source networking software

Hey everyone;

I'm sick of having to pay companies like Novell lots of money to have a decent networking alternative to Windows (Windows is great, but I like to play around with alternatives, so...)

I've decided to start a semi-open-source project where [we'll] develop a free networking client in VB.NET. A lot of work, I know, but it will definelty be an educational experience. There may even be a potential for a "pro" version we could make a few $ off of...

But anyways, if anybody is interested in helping, post back here, and maybe tell me what part you're interested in.

Right now, I think we'll need people to help with the following parts:

• GUI
• Cryptography
• Web site
• Shell integration

Or, you can contact me directly at Cassell1949 @rogers.com


Sean

P.S. I said the project is semi-open-source because some of it will only be available to the "internal" development team. I mean, if certain parts got out (namely the authentication/cryptography stuff) and somebody actually used the program, then it might be more easily cracked... Of course, all code would be available to developers who sign up, just not the general public...

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P.S. I said the project is semi-open-source because some of it will only be available to the "internal" development team. I mean, if certain parts got out (namely the authentication/cryptography stuff) and somebody actually used the program, then it might be more easily cracked... Of course, all code would be available to developers who sign up, just not the general public...

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If your security lies in the fact that the source doesn't get out because people will crack it, you have already failed at making a good product. Good luck.

I don't think I phrased my original idea properly. The point is that while the software is open-source and people could still potentially find holes, it's obvious (IMO) that the main security issues lie in the authentication. If the authentication method was open-source, then anybody could figure out (for example) what encryption algorithm is used to secure the data.

If the server software didn't give them access, they couldn't get in. This means that they would be missing a key component of the real software -- they could change everything they wanted, but it would never pose any real security risk (i.e. a trojan horse) because it wouldn't be able to talk to the server.

The only 'problem' I can think of is that if somebody emulated the GUI and used it to steal passwords, but the same can be done with Novell and Windows, so....

The GUI can be copied even if it's closed source....

However, for your encryption/cryptography I recommend you do a search on google for free algorithms, look at these and work your won by combining some of these...

Depending on what you want doing on the website i can help you i can create the base-outline or go even further...

You'll need to say exactly what you want doing . and oh yes i am limited to what i can do.

Hello! Isnt that the hole point behind Open Source? :wave:

What do you mean by "decent networking alternative to Windows"? Could you please by more explicit?

I don't like very much vb.net but i fully understand it. I actually write code in C#...