LYNX-DEV Re: Lynx as Default Shell

[Foteos Macrides]

"M.S.Terretta" <address@hidden> wrote to me instead of lynx-dev:
>I've searched the web extensively trying to find any tips/info on
>doing this, and every search keeps leading me back to the lynx-dev
>archives.
>
>You seem to be a person doing more answering than asking at that list,
>so I was wondering if you might have a moment to share any tips or
>pointers on setting up Lynx to be the default shell for our "text only"
>users.
>
>Specifically, we want users to be able to use certain other programs
>on the system such as TinyFugue, Pine, NcFTP2, and so on.  We want
>to "spawn" those programs from within Lynx, and have the person returned
>to Lynx when they quit the other program.  In NO case do we want them
>to be able to get to a shell.  For the other programs, we know how to
>do this.  Our big question is how to let them run these few programs
>from inside Lynx.
>
>If you could spare a moment to help us, we'd very much appreciate it.
>We were hit by some hackers two weeks ago, and since then, our telnet
>users have been VERY unhappy.  :-(
>
>Thanks in advance,
>Michael S. Terretta


and then in another message to me instead of lynx-dev he wrote:

>>You seem to be a person doing more answering than asking at that list,
>
>I suppose that would be because you're the current author of lynx...
>Sorry for bothering you!  I hadn't probed enough to realize who you
>were, and wouldn't have bothered you if I had.  But since I did, I'll
>redirect my earlier question just a bit.
>
>>do this.  Our big question is how to let them run these few programs
>>from inside Lynx.
>
>While the documentation didn't describe this, I finally found hints in
>lynx.cfg.  I would still very much like to see a lynx.cfg that is
>properly configured to make lynx be the user's shell, and NOT allow
>them to get to another shell.  
>
>Do you have any suggestions on where to turn for this?

        I'm CCing this to the address@hidden list.  Please use that,
not private email, as stressed in the Lynx documentation and online
'h'elp.  It used to be that you needn't be subscribed to post messages,
but I'm unclear about whether that is still true.  In any case, you
can read replies via http://www.flora.or/lynx-dev/html/ and access its
archives via the common search services.  Use "lynx-dev" as part of your
query.  Also, see the "Links links" service via the online 'h'elp for
a page dedicated to formulating searches of the lynx-dev archives.

        You're question is an FAQ which has been answered many times
on lynx-dev.  To make programs available in no-shell accounts you
use lynxprog or lynxexec URLs via a jumps file, in conjunction with
trusted path settings in lynx.cfg.  Additional security precautions
can be system dependent, so if you provide more details about your
system, perhaps the lynx-dev regulars with that or equivalent
systems can give you particular tips.

                                Fote

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 Foteos Macrides            Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research
 address@hidden         222 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
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