linux-kernel - Re: super root shell/mode/api

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Date:	Mon, 18 May 2009 10:35:45 +0100
From:	Alan Cox <alan@...rguk.ukuu.org.uk>
To:	Andrea <andrea256it@...oo.it>
Cc:	linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org
Subject: Re: super root shell/mode/api

> Some days ago I've lost some important data on a Linux
> machine, because of an out of memory and swap situation.
> 
> When I was coding on c-64 and it crashes I pressed my
> Cartridge button and could save what I wanted, execute
> code and so on. Some may remember this old school times :)
> 
> Now 20 years has passed and a web page can block my whole
> machine?!?!?!?

Your distribution failed to configure your system sensibly in that case.
Linux has supported a strict overcommit mode for some years, and in that
mode a process isn't permitted to drive the system so far out of memory
it locks up or hangs.

You can also set some limits on a given process (which with certain
versions of firefox - especially old ones or if you have the flash plugin
is a good idea).

First call  - ask your distribution why it isn't using strict overcommit.
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