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  • It would be interesting to contrast with Unix/Linux login methods, which do not require C-M-Del. Is this because Windows provides more login hooks than Unix systems? Commented May 2, 2009 at 1:25
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    It's also interesting that some (many, most?) Linux distributions are set up to perform an immediate reboot if you manage to get to the keyboard and hit ctrl+alt+del - with no user authentication required ^^ (configurable of course) Commented May 2, 2009 at 1:50
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    to be pedantic, to initiate an immediate reboot. It's not a forced reboot; all processes get time to shut down, etc Commented May 7, 2009 at 4:02
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    Yeah true - requests comment editing - not that the end-result difference really matters, but yes - it's a "nice" reboot - but a service denial nevertheless. On the other hand, physical access = anything goes Commented May 7, 2009 at 13:36
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    @spoulson, I believe it's the other way around. There are several different gettys that you can run - some handle voice and fax - and that implies a modular way of handling logins. Then you also factor in the dusty-old concept of serial cable attached terminals, and pretty soon you realize that you can't just send Ctl-Alt-Del down a serial line that easily - what is the correct ANSI/ASCII sequence and do all terminals support it? So you're left with handling things as they are - which means, for better or worse, either the system is secure, or it isn't and it's keylogging your passwords. Commented Oct 7, 2009 at 5:01