MacOS X: User Friendlier Security for Unix

One of the problems of computer security in practice is providing an easy mechanism for the user of a system to take advantage of the security features present in an operating system. A system may have significant security features, but absent an interface that allows the user to easily make use of those features the effective security of the system may be low. FreeBSD is an Open Source Unix system primarily designed for use as an Internet server or development system by knowledgeable users. MacOS X ('Jaguar') is a consumer-oriented system for the Apple Macintosh based in large measure on FreeBSD. In this paper we explore the additions and modifications Apple has made to the FreeBSD core to enhance the security of the users of MacOS. We begin with a short history of the two systems and continue with a discussion of installation and administration. In addition to the strictly program based aspects of security we examine how the target marketing of MacOS has affected the effectiveness of its security.