Comments on Open Letter to Intel

Comments submitted with the Open Letter to Intel

The Open Letter to Intel drew over 2000 signatures. Many signers made poignant comments when signing. In what was perhaps an oversight, when the comments and signatures were gathered, although it was clear the intent was to make a public statement, no details were given as to how the comments would be handled.

As a result, they are being handled very conservatively. All names and identifying references are edited out. Revisions required by this by indicated with square brackets. Brief comments wishing Randal well, saying something vaguely bad about Intel, or saying "how terrible this is" are not included, since they did not contribute much to the impression left by the whole set.

These comments were made on a Web form or in email, both highly informal mediums, and this should be borne in mind in judging them presented in this context, where more polished prose would typically be presented. Grammar, punctuation, hypenation, profanity, and in one case Latin, are intact. A few obvious typos are cleaned up. Spelling is cleaned up only lightly, and not where it seems a matter of the writer's sytle.

If your comment appears here and you would rather than it not, please email the compiler with an indication of which comment is yours, also identifying the email address you signed under.

It's time for me to boycott Intel products until a better resolution is at hand.

I'd like to believe this could only happen in America.

This case set a truly sad and frightening precedent. If someone with the reputation and stature of Mr. Schwartz can be railroaded like this, none of us are safe.

Randal has enriched my life through his writings and his code. I can only hope my signature will play some small part in bringing him justice. Thanks for making this page available.

yet another reason to buy a mac.

This is simply an abuse of the legal process, and in my opinion, a concrete case of malicious prosecution. SysAdmin's beware! Here comes Corporate America.....ready to accept and benefit from your best efforts and expertise, only to prosecute you for it!

I don't know if this is still ongoing - I've only just discovered it. It seems incomprehensible to me as to why Intel wanted to bring such a prosecution.. Did they have some axe to grind with Randal? And surely such a prosecution made it terribly well know that Intel has (or had) poor security measures..!

I wish I could do more. Reminds me of that quote: ".. then they came to get me, and there was no one left to speak up." Or something like that.

I refuse to buy any Intel products until you drop the charges.

Abuse of authority is among the worst of crimes.

Pffff it's not exactly the first case of such a situation we've seen just about the same here [ ... ] and all the fuss was because of a dickhead who's got a Checkpoint Firewall-1 and can't interpret the logs properly !

Good luck from a fairly humble Perl user who thinks that the person responsible for Perl would be far too clever to get caught in a REAL computer theft/hacking situation. Seriously though I hope it all ends well.

This trial represents both the often-abusive nature of corporate computer interests and the complete naivete of modern legislators in dealing with computer crime and drafting appropriate laws.

I have learned a great deal about the internet and helping others from Randal's example. Please drop / excuse the charges at the risk of making yourselves appear quite foolish.

where's batman when you need him?

If this is what the world is coming to, they'll find reasons to burn us all at the stake!

This matter deserves much more publicity than it presently receives. That would certainly cause embarrassment to Intel.

"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose...", then please, STOP THE FREEDOM! This is not just another case of behemoth corporation vs. little guy, this is a law that is impossible to defend yourself from. Intel should be ashamed of exploiting bugs in the legal system. Isn't this akin to what they are accusing Randal of?

I find it a pity that Intel, by actions such as this, gives credence to the conspiracy mongers who point to "WINTEL" as the root of all evil in the computer industry.

There is a difference between violation of corporate policy and the law of the land. It appears Intel has shown that violating corporate policy is a felony in Oregon. Fight against the coming Corporate State!

illegitimi non carborundum ;)

I think we should publicize all the good things he has done, how he is a very nice guy, and get supporters to boycott Intel. Maybe make a list of recommended non-intel products. Network cards, non-intel CPUS, etc.

Intel's top brass and security people know so little about computer systems that they characterize normal activities as crime. Intel should be ashamed and embarrassed.

Randal did the same things I do every day in order to get work done. Sad that he had to work for Intel, one would think that a modern computer company would have a clue...

What a no-win situation. Yes, Randal was a bloody moron for doing what he did, but no harm was done and no intent to cause damage could be proved. But how do you explain the hacker ethic to a jury? Oy vey.

It sounds like Mr. Schwartz deserved to be reprimanded or possibly fired, not jailed. Given Mr. Schwartz skills, if he had wanted to be malicious he could have done much more harm then he did.

I am interested in knowing about any further developments in this case that aren't on the main web site. I hope that an appeal is successful, or better, that Intel apologizes (and makes up) for its tyranny.

As a contractor myself, I know that policy is strongly dependent on the individual client company. The actions of Intel against such an individual as Randal Schwartz are alarming.

When MMX "technology" is long forgotten, Randal Schwartz and his good deeds will still be remembered, as will this prosecution.

Intel never ceases to amaze me with their predatory and high handed butchery of anyone and anything that gets in their way. I am proud to say that I have not and I will not ever buy anything from intel.

I and my company do much Perl work and thank Randal very much for his contributions to the Perl world.

Ah well, it is unfortunate that such a company as Intel is willing to forgo a good percentage of their profits because the would destroy a man's life over something they obviously had their claws in. I for one if I could do it would let Intel know personally that none of my friends or family nor any businesses with which I consult will partake of any of the lines of Intel products.

Intel should actually thank Mr. Schwartz for exposing the sheer incompetence of the rest of the "experts" at Intel. Something that the rest of the industry has known for quite some time.

I know of [ Intel's ] approach and management style. Both of which I disagree with.

for my signing of this letter, it is utterly irrelevant, what - if anything - randal has actually done to harm intel. however, a legal system that wishes to be taken seriously as of democratic legitimacy must discount charges pressed in such a clumsy and highly suspicious manner.

After having read about this matter, I will NEVER buy another Intel product. I can promise you that!

I'm as disgusted at those who manipulate the justice system as are you. Count me in.

I hope I never have to send a penny Intel's way again. My next computer will be an Alpha AXP, running Linux.

This case stinks as much as Intel's products. Since I've heard of this case I steer away from Intel's products and recommend everyone else to do so. (Besides the fact that they suck anyways.)

Can you provide the appropriate email address at intel to send a message to? I've been told corporations and politicians tend to ignore signatures on form letters.

Intel might also feel immune to public outcry since they've dominated the PC market for so long. A reminder that they shouldn't feel so secure might be in order. AMD is certainly very competitive, and I WILL consider ethics when I buy my next computer.

Thanks

hehe buyed a ppc recently - nice machine and quite fast

It seems like the computer industry is starting to feel what many aspects of the business community has known for years... the "law" doesn't always follow "common sense"

I think Intel is being entirely too obtuse. Give it up Intel.

This is not at all surprising for this Corporate Fascist government. Laws are selectively and discriminately enforced.

The punishment does not fit this crime

Hmmm could this happen to me too?

This kind of legal heavy-handedness stinks of bad corporatism and perhaps can only be effectively fought through bad PR. You are deserving this annoyance and I will not buy INtel in the future.

As long as you treat folks in that heavy-handed kind of manner you'll never get the true expertise you need.

This whole sordid affair is an amazing miscarriage of justice. Alas, it's not the first I've encountered, nor shall it be the last.

This case seems light on intent and actual evidence other than "after the fact" testimony.

This case was a total mockery. That's the last Intel chip I'll ever buy.

I wanted to also write, after my title, "and hacker! -the good kind!" simply to mean that I'm happy to stand in the ranks with Randal. What a negative thing it's come to mean...

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely!

After meeting Randal at the Perl Conference I'm even more incredulous toward Intel than I had been before.

In awe of the injustice In awe of the talent and knowledge that now sits on a shelf, unused Perplexed, Why ? Do other companies have an interest in seeing this man imprisoned

This is the least I could do to help out someone who has helped me so much. Thanks Randal...

I have notified Intel that [ ... ] I disapprove of their actions.

I feel that the "punishment" Randal Schwartz received was very excessive.

I most strongly believe that it's completely ridiculous to assume that someone would be "up to something", because they had "opportunity" to do so - Or everyone at Intel would be a suspect of this same type of "possible" crime. To me, this entire situation is nothing short of paranoia on Intel's part. Randal had no motive, nor real opportunity to take advantage of any Intel information (as was stated in the reports that he could have gotten information and done something with it. But as could anyone that is contracted there or employed, with any knowledge or information. So are they all to to suspects? Or suspects if they were to have a very obvious process running under their own name?). Sure, I agree that it's a suspicious thing to find, but consider this. ..why in the world would anyone leave a PID process going for such a long time under their own (obvious) name of who owned it!? Anyone that's been on a Un*x for a day knows that. I certainly agree that it was justified for Intel to end his contract, as that's reason enough, and I'm sure it was a big part because this made them "uncomfortable" to be aware of it. And he did breach the Intel policy apparently. But, in actuality, he did not break any laws. Obviously, he wouldn't have been given such access, if he wasn't to be trusted. But, simply because he could have done something illegal or malicious, does not by any means, mean he had intended to, and he most certainly did not! If this is because he could have and because he had "opportunity", then let it be known, that a LOT of people have that same access and opportunity I'm sure. He was "assumed" to be doing something very wrong, because it could have looked bad (I can see why), but most people can see the truth. So, how close to actually doing it or not, do you need to have reason(s) for assuming they are intending to (break the law). He obviously was not, or he could have long before. Keep in mind (as everyone knows), Randal is very well respected, and to even assume he would take advantage or do anything illegal (beyond Intel's specification(s)), is completely unfounded and insulting to find. That's too trivial. It's as if giving someone a key to something, and if they do something that makes you nervous about them having this type of access, even without real proof, to press charges. For what really? No real law was broken. The termination of his contract is totally justified and understandable in this situation. But to press criminal charges for this. This is very wrong, and disappointing to see.

What a bunch of corporate pigs are Intel. My next PC processor is coming from AMD, slower or not!

I once made the mistake of running crack [ ... ]. Nobody ever told me I couldn't, and there was no written policy here about anything like that. I was simply curious as to how it worked, etc. Like Randal, I made no effort to cover my tracks, since I thought I was in the clear. I did nice the processes so I wouldn't affect anyone else's work. Anyhow, guess what? My [ organization ] now has a written policy which I have allegedly violated before the fact, so ... in any case, I hope you can see why I so sympathize with the defendant in Oregon v. Schwartz.

What a joke. I sure am glad I don't work for Intel. A good portion of my job is doing exactly the things you went after Schwartz for. Remind me, too, to never rely on a jury to make a competent decision.

I won't recommend Intel to my customers, but Cyrix or Dec Alpha instead.

INTEL should not be allowed to use PERL unless it will pay substantial amount of money (10 Million $) or so to FSF and Larry Wall

I am signing this because I strongly dislike the unfairness in having Intel employees sitting next to the prosecution, reminding the Intel employees on the stand of their financial stake in Intel.

Hey Intel lighten up. Heavy handed tactics suck.

I really admire Randal's extraordinary Perl abilities. Although Randal may not know me, he has already emailed me a lot of Perl tips. I find it hard to believe how someone as didactic as Randal could be accused of such a crime.

The information you have provided will be invaluable to me and very well may keep me from being put in the same position. I thank you for that and I am deeply troubled by what they have put this man through. What can I do to help?? Please let me know if there is something I can do!!

Let's pray Oregon's Judicial and Legislative ignorance does not spread to my part of the world

I suggest that getting Mr. Schwartz off the hook should be made a priority disjoined from any other.

We buy Intel therefore we contribute to the financial wellbeing of Intel - Intel Should therefore listen to us..

As a computer professional who has done some consulting work, although nowhere near the level of Schwartz's work, I find this very scary.

Intel, remember the P-60 FP bug? Internet publicity carries some weight. [ ... ] We are not amused by your treatment of Randal Schwartz.

I think it is inevitable that information should always be free. Randal Schwartz took nothing from anyone.

Good lord, if this can happen to a real programmer...

I am disgusted with the travesty of justice in the US and the behaviors undertaken by the Intel. Customer loyalty on Intel now?.. ZILCH!!

This sentence is a joke. Unless corrective action is taken, [ we ] will boycott Intel Products.

After reading the information presented on this web site, I have decided three things. One, I shall never visit the state of oregon, let alone take a computer related job there. Two, I shall never take a job with intel. Three, I shall never purchase another intel product. It saddens me greatly that in this age our legal system can allow such an utter injustice to occur. Not only does it allow, but the state of oregon appears to fully support Intel in this matter. They seem to be, for reasons unknown to me, wholly uninterested in truth and justice, and would rather see an innocent man go to prison and throw away a fortune in legal fees and "restitution". I have had the privilege of meeting Randal via the Internet, and find him to be a fine individual. What Intel's true motives are in this matter, I won't even try to speculate, but I am sure they aren't simply protecting their data. I regularly check user passwords against a large dictionary of english words and modifications of those words in order to insure the security of my systems, and would frown upon any systems administrator who he did not do the same.

That'll be an AMD processor in my next computer.

Having been visited by authorities [ ... ] regarding computer activities [ ... ], I fully sympathize with Mr. Schwartz as do most of my colleagues. I wish him the best of luck in his fight against this travesty of justice and what is right.

Because of this Kafkaesque atrocity, I will never work for Intel. Ever. Other Unix system admins I know who are familiar with this case feel the same way, and any friend who's looking for a job that asks me what I know about Intel, I point towards one of the web pages describing this case.

I have met the man himself. He even signed my Llama book. Greed is a terrible thing.

This is nothing. It's a joke and I hope intel feels very proud for doing this to an innocent and caring man. This so called "criminal" just gave up an hour of his time [ ... ] for me.

There's enough good material for a doctoral dissertation here (hopefully not mine) -- something on impedance matching the intricacies of modern technologies with the legal mind.

I will refrain from buying any intel product until this matter is cleared up.

Having read over the published documents via the web, it seems that the law has been misapplied in this case and that someone at Intel is acting out/on a vendetta/grudge against Randal Schwartz or perhaps just trying to be a bully (which mega-corps like Intel have been so readily to do in other instances).

Drop the charges Intel!!!

Amazing this issue did not get more press. Was the issue too "technical"? Unbelievable.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds...

Computers are tools. We should not expect one set of laws for people who use hammers, another for those who wield graphing calculators, and yet a third for those who wash windows! I am infuriated by the spate of bogus, ill-informed "internet and technology" legislation filling the books across the country. Just because the legislators are afraid or ignorant, or perhaps pandering to big industry's latest gold-rush, is no excuse to punt on basic rights.

I hate it when people think they can do anything they like if they have the $$.. and the worst and shameful part is, they can, even in a country that claims to be "democratic" and "civilized".

Randal, I really have to thank you for your perl books. I knew nothing about perl 6 months ago, and now I can't live without my camel book. =)

This is serious. After reading the articles, i am upset enough to expedite the purchase of Sun workstations instead of using Intel/NT platform.

I think this was a serious waste of everybody's time, as well as money, I also think that it is very irresponsible to try to prosecute somebody who annoys you, but let others (like the V.P.) by without so much as a reprimand. I hope this all gets cleared up, and soon.

In most countries, an intent to deprive must be proved when prosecuting a crime of theft. The application of these special computer laws seems unjust.

This is a serious mistake on the part of our government, esp. the judicial system, as well as Intel. I urge these organizations to learn about these matters and pardon Randal.

To Randal, and all, please do not take these rulings as the truth. This is very similar to the rulings and conviction/imprisonment of Nelson Mandela, et. al.

we in the field of the new technoculture rising, may complain over our 'lack of rights' when it comes to things merely concerning what we can read, whether we can use crypto, etc.

all this seems silly and trivial, compared to events such as this, when REAL inhumanity is applied to an individual working in this field, simply because of fear and loathing and lawmakers who want absolute control.

The future of the computer market, a market formed and forged by the same types of pioneers being prosecuted so stringently now, hangs precariously on an edge. Which direction it swings will have profound impact on the way people think and feel about those who work daily both in the forefront and behind the scenes to keep the pulse of our computer networks flowing smoothly. While we must work to protect that which we build, we cannot allow ourselves to blindly bludgeon that which we do not understand, allowing legislatures to envision broad reform on computer law with their eyes closed to the meaning of that which they seek to legislate. We must come together to protect ourselves and the rest of the computer community, which has worked so diligently to give people so many things they take for granted, from unconstitutional and immoral prosecution at the hands of money-rich corporations seeking to set precedence....

This is a sad day for people like me that also wish to be pro-active in their jobs.

This is a real shame that Intel has chosen to bully on one of the Perl community's finest programmers. Hopefully, in the end, the judgment will be in Randal's favor and he will benefit from the pain in the bottom this has brought him!

Persecution of the innocent by the powerful is not new, but it should stop. NOW.

I find this action by Intel reprehensible and will boycott the Intel processors.

After reviewing all the materials available to me in the press and on various WWW sites related to the Oregon vs. Schwartz criminal case, I can't determine any serious cause for developing a criminal case, when the matter should have been handled through corporate procedure. That Intel allowed this case to happen at all speaks very poorly on their record, independent of all other concerns, and I believe all associates of Intel should take this behavior into account when conducting any kind of relationship with Intel. I feel sympathy for what Randal Schwartz has had to experience and I feel confident he will be vindicated in time.

Applying law as a "victim" toward someone in a way which misrepresents harm and intent is worse that illegal - it's immoral. I will strongly consider my purchase of Intel products in the future with regards to such activities by the company. There is no doubt on my mind that Intel will suffer far more loss in reputation and the all important dollar than Intel has gained in any sensible metric.

Assuming the information on the case presented here is entirely accurate, Intel, the D.A., and the judge have violated his constitutional rights to a degree which, in my eyes, is a jailable offense.

Vastly excessive punishment does not fit the "crime".

The gross amounts of injustice in this case is unbelievable. Where do they get these judges/prosecuters/"network experts", and why are they so f*cking clueless?

Recently, my mail server [ ... ] was hacked by a spammer. They used the site for about 36 hours before I caught on. The loss to me was minimal, but I thought perhaps there was a bigger issue if this spammer was hacking sites everyday. I called the local FBI to determine if they would pursue this computer crime. They told me if the damages were less than $25,000 they would not even take a report! Is the law only for the big corporations? and then to see it applied in this way makes me doubly mad!

The computer I'm using right now is running on a Pentium II 300 MhZ Processor. I must say I'm ashamed to own such an item after reading what the company that produced it did to Randal Schwartz. In the future I will definitely think long and hard before supplying money to such a company.

When the rights of one person are violated, everyone's rights are in danger.

What is it that constant puts Intel in such sour positions whenever they enter the court room. Is public outrage the only thing that Intel will respond to?? I implore Intel to do the right thing.

Randal Schwartz has done more for the computing community than any of the manageroids that want his skin.

I went through a similar experience but was only reprimanded.

I was considering moving to Oregon or Washington because it is more scenic [ ... ] and has better job opportunities but after reading about this, i don't think Oregon will be on my list of places where i would like to work.

I am shocked about this case. The way these laws have been applied in this case seems to be totally against what the original legislation was protecting against.

I am appalled that such infractions on the constitutional rights of every American citizen are allowed to go unchecked and unacknowledged by the masses and the press. I don't know of a single newspaper that doesn't have at least one writer on staff with an axe to grind. It seems they take their axes elsewhere when it deals with the obscure (at least, obscure to most). This is an outrage that mustn't be tolerated.

I think I could go on for quite a while on this, but I'll restrain myself. In closing, I'd like to say this: this man could be any of us in a few years, I plan to inform as many people as I possibly can of this case, and finally, I am for once grateful for rather than indifferent to the fact that I have an intel pentium clone.

It is a loss to the IT community and to the companies and governments that we serve that each individual must now assume that they will not be trusted by their employers and must cover their backs appropriately. In this case, it seems to be Intel's assumptions about Mr. Schwartz's intentions stacked against his word, with neither side being able to prove their position. In such a situation, might makes right (which is precisely what I thought common law and trial by jury was supposed to protect us against).

I'm 100% behind Randal... And am publicly urging that people do not buy Intel products. I am recommending other solutions. I hope that people see this site and come to the same conclusions that I did.

Intel did something similar in the case of Deme Lackaff. Intel management is a bunch of Nazis.

If this type of prosecution is allowed to continue, it appears we are all criminals by just using a computer in the workplace. All that is required to be prosecuted is a simple disagreement or falling out with that employer..

Intel should be ashamed, and the VP who gave out his password should be prosecuted with the same vigor as Randal, if Randal's conviction stands.

Thank you for posting this story.

I am new to the world of perl and I have just happened upon this site. I find what I am reading to be totally unbelievable. I think that all programmers and support people try something like what Randal did to test a system security. because I am sure lots of people agree. If one person can do other can as well and that means your system is not secure. I have performed a similar trick to prove to my employers that security of a system should not be taken lightly. Randal is a asset to the computer industry. many people would not be programming in perl if it wasn't for this man's help. Intel Sort your life out. This man did you no harm. I for one will be removing my intel processor and replacing them with AMD chips

I was shocked at what Intel did to Randal. I think he's a brilliant person who helped a lot of people like us in the newsgroups, answering our questions about CGI, mainly Perl. Now, I think multi-billion Intel is really selfish, from now to the future, I will NEVER ... NEVER buy anything from Intel, even the Pentium processors unless they do something about it. I will inform all my customers/clients/friends/children about what you have done to a wonderful person like Randal (I wouldn't be a web developer if he wasn't there for us.)

I think that Randal is being shafted by some less intelligent, management for Intel. I think that if they actually thought about what he was doing instead of thinking with hurt feelings, they would thank Randal for his actions and would drop this lawsuit.

This is the kind of break down of justice that makes me frightened.

Merlyn is an amazing individual, if there were more people that combined his experience, expertise and astounding generosity, compassion and patience, I truly believe the world would be a better place. It sounds sappy, but I popped by #perl on more than one occasion, and he was there distributing generous helpings of code and wisdom.

This is a chilling story. I wish I could say I was surprised to hear it. However, these incidents of injustice have always happened, especially when the "victim" in an alleged crime was a major source of income for the surrounding area. I do hope that this will be the last time. Can't say that I'll be surprised if it isn't.

A travesty! Intel and the State of Oregon have shown themselves to be incompetent hacks, who would prosecute someone merely because they don't understand what they do for a living. Idiots!

Network Security should be taken seriously by management, but it's really sad when the clueless punish those in the know.

Keep up the work. This is how democracy grows.

As a part of my contract job, I am required to use Crack no less than once per quarter to weed out bad passwords on systems I maintain. I am required to keep such reports as proprietary, but that's only reasonable.

This whole case smacks of Dilbert meets the Nazi court system.

How could Intel be so stupid as to contract someone to, amongst other things, write a security report and then obviously decide that the report did not contain what they wanted and pursued Randal in such unrelenting way.

By the way I have read a number of Randal's books and find them very useful as I now spend a large part of my job writing PERL.

How does this judge live with himself, God hear this and turn the tables on all those intentionally blind!

Given the judge's obvious disdain for the constitution and due process, and the allowance of "evidence" gathered by questionable means (it is wholly inappropriate for a representative of the complainant to be allowed access to the accused's property before, during, or after a police search) the ACLU should be at the forefront of an appeal effort as well as an effort to repeal the laws involved in this case.

I'm starting to believe that the human race goes through a cycle every two to three millenia. The Inquisition went after went after innocent people referred to as "heretics", The Salem witch hunts were all about heretics, and the new breed of heretic seems to be the person behind the keyboard who knows more than average. It's a disgrace to every person on the planet that events like this exist in this day and age.

If Intel Corp. has ensured security it would not be in this position. It seem and the people with red faces are pulling strings.

I will try to use more AMD chips!

I've been following the Schwartz case and am convinced that it is yet another piece of evidence that the United States is now longer a free country. Amen.

This whole thing stinks to high heaven. I hope the FTC buries intel

I think I bought my last Intel processor

I'd read excerpts on the case before and never understood Intel's motive..

Black holes are the most dense matter in the universe, of course this is excluding the stupidity of Intel management.

Randal is a very productive member of society.

I agree wholeheartedly. Intel could and should have handled this very differently. I have known hackers with evil intentions and seen their work. Nothing I could see in what Schwartz did was in any way evil. Branding him as a felon is ludicrous.

This is just another show of Intel's overwhelming power and influence on people not in the technical "know" "If Intel or Microsoft say its so then it must be Virginia" Intel and MS are so hyped by there marketing depts and the Press what else are non technical people going to believe??.

The possession of information itself should not be a crime. Using that information to do harm should be, and is, illegal. But, by making information itself, no matter how obtained, illegal, we set a precedent for imprisoning people simply because of what they have the potential for doing. I [ ... ] have knowledge which could allow me to modify an existing, dangerous bacteria in ways that would make it far more threatening. That knowledge itself, while potentially dangerous, does not make me [ ... ] a criminal, as long as we do not use our knowledge for these purposes.

this lawsuit is no way to conduct business. intel has been hiring (management) idiots again.

Everyone in the Internet security business should fear what Randal has faced. I certainly do.

AFAIK, Morris Jr. have made, with his worm, a lot more damage than Randal.

This is just one step along the way toward an Orwellian future, but one ruled by corporations, not governments.

I DO wish to record my support for Randal, without whose books I could not pursue my hobby.

This is absolutely ridiculous. I suppose they would like to see him placed in jail... But then he could always write bits of code (that will destroy the world as we know it) and place them in a package wrapped about the ankle of a pigeon to be received by his adoring and mindless minions!

Please note the sarcasm!

We have called them law makers for two hundred years and for two hundred years they have made more and more laws. We only need a few. Don't kill, don't steal (whether a robber or a corporation), don't do something to someone who doesn't want it done (rape, molesting). In a few more years the government will be able to arrest anyone because that person has surely broken some law (if we dig deep enough).

This is ridiculous! It's enough to make me rethink my recommendations [ to ] use Intel-based servers,

Thank God I live [ ... ] where judges are NOT elected, and therefore not subject to the same kinds of pressure from Big Business that is obviously the case here.

I completely trust the good judgment of one or two names that I have seen in the list of signatories; those of person(s) who I believe to be identically minded to myself, and who I respect. This despite the fact that, even having read several pages, I still haven't managed to obtain a clear understanding of what, exactly, it was that Randal actually did, in terms that would be considered to be part of normal conversation. It is clear that Randal got hold of the password file and cracked some passwords, but what was the idea? Perhaps I'll find out when i continue reading ... :-)

I believe that Intel has a lot of apologizing to do for this miscarriage of justice. They use heavy-handed tactics and skirt around legal procedures to prosecute a consultant simply because the did not like the quality of their work or understand its nature. Their senior officers should be ashamed of themselves for abusing the legal system to advance their own ends. This is not some sort of Machiavellian society that we live in. The judge in the case should be ashamed that he allowed such a case to proceed and perhaps he should resign if he cannot make the proper assessments necessary to ensure a fair and IMPARTIAL trial.

How does Intel manage to get anyone to contract with them after this? It's not something I'll ever do for fear of being prosecuted for doing my job.

How is it that judges, prosecutors, and so many others come to be involved in a case dealing with a field in which they are completely ignorant? If the witness doesn't know even the basics of computing (what's a directory, for chrissake) how can any sort of testimony (s)he makes be counted as valid?

I think I'll get myself made witness in a murder trial and tell the judge "In my professional opinion, the cause of death was a broken toenail." Would they listen to me? Not a chance.

Why should the realm of computers be any different in the eyes of the law?

Hail, Microsoft.

Until this is resolved to MY satisfaction, I'll neither buy nor sell another Intel CPU. AMD and Cyrix for the low end; Alpha and Sun for multi-processor/high-end.

This is a great initiative. Let us pray something similar does not happen to a non Net-personality who would undoubtedly be crunched under the legal system absurdity.

The heavy handedness, ineptitude and cowardice of Intel amazes me! From now on, I'm buying AMD!

This is just another reason why I don't use Intel products. Read up on FACE Intel to see how bad intel really is.

I had already decided, prior to reading about this miscarriage of justice, to not buy or use Intel products as much as possible. Now I will actively encourage others to do the same unless Intel decides to right this egregious wrong and actively work to prevent it's recurrence.

This is a travesty. If Intel can do this to Randal, are any of us safe from criminal prosecution for offending our employers?

If someone has done no damage, and did not have any bad intent whatsoever can be called a "criminal" by the law, our fundamental right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness has been abandoned.

I hope he is cleared of all charges...the perl community cannot afford the loss of such a great programmer.

I first found out about this when reading the unauthorized history of Intel and couldn't believe it. Intel need to take a long hard look at their business practices, and personal relations.

Digital Law needs a rethink from the REAL computer users/Administrators not from lobbyist...

As of yesterday, I respected the Intel organization. I still do - in regards to its technological achievements. But, after spending two and a half hours reading the points you have presented here, my overall feeling towards Intel is that of an ashamed disgust. Nevertheless, my only complaint about these pages is that they caused a fairly noticeable delay in my bed-going; I was in the preparatory stage of my not-so-nightly sleeping ritual before catching the wave that brought me here.

Due process seems to be a thing of the past in hacker cases.

intel has already spent far more in prosecution fees than randal didn't cause by doing his job.

What concerns me is not Intel's role, but the way the laws in Oregon are written and applied. I was going to work in Oregon until I read more about this case. Now you couldn't drag me there with a tractor.

I can't believe this issue hasn't been resolved yet! Is the Oregon law constitutional under US law? It seems to contravene a basic premise of law, that being "innocent until proven guilty". Allowing the prosecution to retroactively define "legitimate access" after the fact is a travesty of natural justice!

I think what you have done is rotten and it helps me prove a point I have been trying to make to a couple of my friends. While companies in the eyes of the law are judicial persons they lack a conscious, moral ethics and are not able to feel remorse. Ingredients that are of great importance in any legal system. While one could argue that companies are made of people I think that the individuals within a company can't give the entity that is the company the moral ingredients it lacks. Employees come and go, Shareholders come and go. That's why the only restitution an american company can make is through money. Had you been a Swedish company you would have been eaten for breakfast [ by the ] excellent unions, press and legal system.

I personally think Intel needs to reconsider their security efforts. I myself have used both Perl and Crack with permission (as I am a systems admin) and it's solely for the purpose of security. It seems that because they are in the spotlight for users with bad/easy passwords that they're trying to make a renowned programmer (Randal) into an evil being. More than likely, the people pushing for his conviction are end-users who barely know how to shut down Windows correctly.

"It's not that we're so smart, it's just they're so dumb."

Intel's actions are an outrage and I will continue to boycott their products until they recognize this effort.

I think the judicial system in general needs to expand its realm as to include "computer consultants" since it will be a very long time before we have a geek in the supreme court. It is also a shame that a powerful corporation can so easily twist the "long arm of the law"

unbelievable miscarriage. If it were feasible I'd consider (and urge others) to boycott Intel, but can you say "monopoly".

A complete travesty of justice, not to mention proof positive that D.A.'s are just like schoolyard bullies - forceful and witless.

RS's prosecution is illicit. Intel's actions in this case are absolutely indefensible.

his punishment is hideous and your use of local laws is repugnant.

The tabloid-driven trial rather reminds me of the Sheppard murder case (as in the Fugitive). Sincerest hopes for a strong overturning, and much support for Randal.

This is a crime, the fact that a company that has this kind of money can utterly destroy a mans life!!

End the hi-tech McCarthyism NOW!

Y'all ought to be ashamed, Intel.

Does intel really think that anybody with Mr. Schwartz's credentials would have any interest in stealing their (poorly chosen) passwords or breaking into their system? Furthermore, do they really think that someone as sophisticated as Mr. Schwartz would be CAUGHT if he did? Even more obviously, did anybody in the courtroom understand that he already HAD the root password thus already HAD access to all of these accounts anyway. A pathetic display of mean-spiritedness on Intel's part. Another monopoly that should be boycotted.

Attacking someone who was working for you, at your request, on items both approved by and requested by you, is not very intelligent. I believe the correct term is "shooting oneself in the foot." This will (hopefully) come back to haunt you. Shame on you.

Those managers in Intel (in 1995) were perfectly match 'Dilbert's Manager'.

The entire media hype was pathetic, wait till a real hacker hits the world with a real virus, then what will those fools do then. We need to thank him for showing us this problem with Microsoft's macro language. Also all the evidence against him could have easily been created to frame him, and tomorrow you and me. This country's hang someone guilty or not but hang someone attitude must stop.

Intel's misuse of state resources (and the funneling of funds to ensure the their agenda is accomplished), should offend all of us. I wish I could count as a tool at my disposal the state (and following that, Fed) gov't DAs. Nothing could then successfully stand against me in my path to world subordination. ;) I guess misuse is in the eye of the beholder.

i would hope that all signers and sympathetic parties are not using intel products and do their best to encourage others (such as students) to use competitor's chips.

i am particularly saddened by this affair, as it shows how far we have not come, how we only pay lip service in our schools and institutions to the notion of the little guy: the significance of the individual in our society.

This case merely portrays Intel as an unconscionable corporate brute. Their reputation is sullied in my eyes and those of my colleagues.

I buy, am recommending, and will buy AMD chips until this is made right. (read - boycotting Intel)

Randal is one of the most remarkable and revolutionary character in the Perl community, his contributions towards the development and improvement of perl is invaluable. He deserves a fair justice.

I would like to see this law changed. Randal might have been a naughty boy, and maybe he should have been fired by Intel, but convicted of a felony? No way! Giving corporate policies the power of criminal law is a dangerous precedent.

I am ashamed to be sending this petition off with the help of an Intel product. In the future, I will certainly shop for a processor from a company less prone to paranoid delusion and disregard for democratic process.

Intel has made me sad by going after Randal. He is cherished by thousands of budding computer scientists as an upstanding, dedicated, reliable, enjoyable person. Intel certainly should not be hurting it's reputation with the most computer literate people, as it has by going after Randal. I will never work as a consultant for Intel, nor will I buy Intel based products, until this wrong has been righted.

I for one feel that these actions on Intel's part are a disgrace to our industry and yet another step towards enforced intellectual apathy on the part of engineers and developers.

Booo Intel - I'll be buying NexGen from now on!

I guess I go AMD from now on

Unbelievable. This is the sort of nightmare that causes people to drop out of society and live in the hills, far from those who would harm them. Good luck, Randal! Good luck to all of us.

Intended harm should be the measure of a crime, not the letter of a badly worded law.

This is ridiculous. I am sick of the bull-shit laws of this country and the people who uphold them. We might as well burn the constitution as well as the flag. If I hear about one more case like this I will renounce my status as a citizen of this country and move to Europe.

Another reason to buy AMD?

Home of the brave, land of the free. sigh.

I think what you (Intel) are doing is wrong. I think that the least you could do is issue a public apology and take care of Mr. Schwartz legal fees I will certainly consider this case the next time I decide to buy a PC. Luckily there are other alternatives to "Intel inside".

After reading about this i was amazed by the striking ease with which intel managed to get someone convicted of something which is not actually a crime (although the law clearly says it is). It makes you wonder who created this law (which lobbies pushed it) and how much "laws" like it exist out there.

I also personally vow not to purchase any intel products or services and I will encourage others to do the same until the conditions in this letter are met and a public apology is issued to randal.

While the individual in question exhibited poor judgment, Intel exercised an abominable display of authority.

My highest discomfort level relates specifically to criminal prosecution of people who do not comply with their employer's wishes. I find it highly suspect that these prosecutions even take place. It is not hard to imagine this law being used as a de facto censoring tool to limit behavior and speech a corporation may deem unacceptable.

Note: Not that the reader cares, but I feel compelled to add: is is precisely this encroachment of corporations into previously private space which fuels both a distaste of corporations as well as a desire to cease participating (to whatever extent possible) in the economics of corporations.

Gee, I'm surprised this action wasn't taken many years ago. To pursue this matter to the point of felony prosecution was ludicrous. And we are still signing petitions?

Just another among a long list of governmental abuses of power when it comes to computer "crimes" (a la Mitnick, et al). Hope this letter helps (although, if history be the judge, it won't).

Intel has the right to fire, but there are constitutional issues about allowing private prosecutions. This was like the inquisition.

If Intel will not stop the case, I won't by Intel processor anymore.

I have been involved in security issues for many years, but this is one of the most ridiculous stories I ever heard.

Let's move to Mars where there are no lawyers. When the lawyers get to Mars, let's leave for other stars. Out there, we have solar flares, meteors, vacuum, radiation. But here, we have lawyers. Let's seek safety in space.

I feel that this is a blatant misappropriation of power. It seems more like intel trying to keep a "monopoly" much like microsoft is claimed to be.

Kind of like stamping on an Ant! If Intel didn't have so much money and reputation to uphold I doubt they would of bothered

Life is short and there is so much waste if one is to be placed in so called prison where off court settlement is the solution. Things can be worked out. Maybe Randal might be at fault which I do not agree but let it be the first time Intel saved so called felon. Saving a life is equal to giving a person a second chance. Thank you very much.

No Intel chips contaminate any of the computers I regularly use. Randal's prosecution is further evidence of the disingenuousness and rapacity of the Intel Corporation.

I can't believe that this type of thing can be prosecuted without showing the INTENT to cause harm.

I'm surprised you haven't the EFF and the ACLU onto those concerned, especially the prosecutors and the judge. Either way, hope this helps.

All over the world the reaction of both Governments and the Law to Computer related issues displays the most unforgivable reluctance to properly incorporate some of the unique aspects that computer technologies (let alone on-line culture) can bring to otherwise "normal" situations. However, both are quick to assume that involvement of computer technology (and/or culture) allows dilution (or outright flagrant disregard) of traditional social and legal freedoms. Blah! I say. And Blah again.

I don't want my motherboards, CPUs, or NICs to come from a Corporation so eager to sue their employees!

From what I have read of the issue, it seems to me that this open letter fairly summarizes the issue. Randal was, in fact, simply trying to do a better job than that for which he had been hired and there was no criminal intent nor any real damage.

I'll sign. I personally support the statements made in the Open Letter below: it is my feeling that Intel's actions against Randal Schwartz are misguided in origin, and that any attempt to continue charges and litigation is simply malicious.

Please add my signature, although the whole thing won't mean jack shit to Intel. What you have to is hire a consultant from Intel, nail him under the same law, and sue Intel for millions...

Later...

And good luck with it all. The US legal system has a poor reputation over here.

Hereby I sign this letter. Being a sysadmin, I also could be in danger doing things for the customer, he doesn't understand at once.

Add my signature to the list. The situation is rather bogus, and Randal's integrity should never have been called into question.

Intel is way up high on my shit list for this! Hope you get lots and lots of signers.

I am a systems programmer. Looks like this case is NOT a case of computer crime but one of misunderstanding and is NOT at all an example of good justice.

I remember reading "The Trial" in high school. Randal your not alone...

I can't believe Intel would besmirch their good name by prosecuting Schwartz.

Randal is no criminal. 'Nuf said.

Makes me think twice about buying a Pentium!

The DDJ editorial of March 1996 provided the best information that I have seen, and is what convinced me to sign. You might want to publish it when you ask again for signatures.

One more reason not to buy an Intel chip.

If this guy were malicious or dishonest he could have done a lot of damage. It should be obvious that he is neither.

Those in a position of authority who know less than the ones who work for them become paranoid. It's easy to see how that happens. Though fundamentally, the reasons (in this case) are quite childish. The solution is clear -- require that those of authority come to understand problematic situations before taking action that exercises power in a form that tries to make up for a deficiency in the true power of the intelligence and knowledge that scares them so much.

If this is the kind of treatment that Intel provides its consultants, I'll certainly never be counted among them!

the outcome of this case shows that the prosecution and the judge and the jury have a warped idea of computer security. it is truly unfortunate that a person like randal, who has been a teacher to so many is found to be guilty by the law, which only shows how the law is susceptible to misinterpretation. Intel may have won the case, but it has lost a capable, honest and skillful worker.

If Intel wants to attract talented software developers, this prosecution is not in their self interest. It projects the image of a hostile and vindictive employer -- not a good place to work.

I strongly object to the use of the acronym JAPH in court to implicate that Randal was a hacker. The distinction between hacker and cracker culture should be made evident to the courts. Good luck chaps.

How do you test a lock? When a key to your house is locked in someone else's house, do you worry about the security of the other house? You must. Thank you Intel for punishing Randal for doing what he does best - a job beyond all expectations.

As a system manager, I have frequently performed the same series of action which Intel, in its less than infinite wisdom, chose to view as a crime. These activities, in my opinion, are a basic block of standard security checks one has to perform on one's system.

This is a striking example of the startling lack of understanding among the US Judicial and Legal system of the realities of today's information age technology.

Intel, you're not the only processor on the block anymore...

Very disturbing implications [ ... ]. I know lots of sys admin people run crack type programs to test their own security.

Best wishes and good luck to Randal - I'll buy a copy of his book to help him out financially and I will put a link to your friends pages on my web.

This is what happens when covering your ass is more important than your security.

This gives a very bad reputation to Intel. It is very unprofessional no matter how big and powerful they are.

Personally, I am boycotting Intel products as far as possible until this is resolved.

Who do you believe - the man who wrote the camel and llama books or the company who brought you FDIV?

The police report says that Randal knew he was violating Intel policy. I don't really understand what happened here. Running passwd files through crack is a universally common practice for system administrators. I have done it many times. Anyone who is responsible for setting up networking has always been above policy at every place I worked. The user community does not care about policy when things go down. There have been days where I would not have batted an eye if our networking guys had asked me to show them the label on my underwear, for chrissake, if it would just get the backbone up again.

Something is strange in this story. Why would Intel want seventy thousand bucks? If all Randal did was run a password file through crack and use a gateway that other Intel admins knew existed, and that is why he got in trouble, then computing has no future in Oregon. The idea makes me want to quit my job and find another line of work. I can't help but wonder if there is more to the story. I guess I'll look at the background stuff some more.

But if Tim O'Reilly and Larry Wall think that Randal Schwartz is getting screwed, then he is getting screwed. I didn't spend all that bread on those books because I think those guys have lousy judgment.

Because quantitative evaluation REQUIRES it, I am personally using the Crack program to collect data upon weaknesses of computer systems. I feel like this might be very useful to improve the security of systems (a thing that everybody wishes), but also to qualify it (a thing that some people sometimes wouldn't like to be done). Is proving a system insecure a crime ?

This situation appears to be someone out to gore an ox for reasons other than those stated. Whether the target or not, Intel and the Oregon criminal law establishment look downright silly and arrogant and to be feared. Be sure that I will never set up shop in Oregon nor will any knowledgeable computer person who has any choice in the matter!

Those AMD and NexGen processors are looking more and more attractive. Good luck to a first-rate technical author and perl hacker.

Even compared to the pentium debacle, this is sheer lunacy. Intel is not only shown to be vindictive (almost beyond belief), but completely ignorant of even the most basic aspects of their own business realities. They finally were forced to own up to not only their ethical obligations with the floating point bug, but also their own best interest. If they don't own up to their incredible negligence (at best) here, they may be even more surprised at the strength of the backlash.

This case prompted me to boycott Intel products. I have purchased quite a bit of equipment recently, and none of it was made by Intel.

This type of nonsense is a serious threat to any of us performing consulting work; however, it is entirely possible that it may also be turned against those of us who are regular full-time employees. I sincerely hope this is overturned on appeal.

What is it about corporations that make them so impressively stupid? Randal's work has played a big part in my own success, and I wish I could do more to help.

This ruling really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone considering Intel's past history of 'Big-Brother' like actions.

Sounds like Intel is a great place to not work for. I'll keep that in mind.

I have read the complete FAQ of this case and I believe that an appropriate analogy is required for a non-computer centric person to understand the injustice of this case:

A Computer System Administrator IS a functioning "security mechanism". The job requires the individual to analyze and repair situations that may lead to unauthorized system access... Randal Schwartz used the excellent "crack" tool for just this purpose.

Here's my analogy:

Randal functioned as a facility manager. In that facility there existed valuable corporate information. Randal's employer fully expected him to protect that information. Randal's experience led him to believe that the locks in his area (and an adjacent area) were not being used and information was potentially at risk.

Without explicit authorization, Randal used his professional judgment and instituted a process of lock checking to gather data to support his belief that the area was not secure. This practice is "standard" in Randal's profession and it should also be instituted in any computer environment.

A night watchman tests locked doors and would not be prosecuted for finding "40 out of 600" unlocked. He would be rewarded for discovering an incredibly insecure area.

If that night watchman tested doors in a neighboring area that another watchman had the responsibility to police AND that watchman found fingerprints on the doorknobs and called the police since doors had been tested and therefore the possibility of theft was real. Would anyone prosecute the first watchmen for testing doors in an adjacent area? Would the "suspicions" of the second watchman who would soon be exposed for "not checking those same doors" be accepted and lead to a covert investigation and criminal prosecution?

Randal Schwartz was given a complete set of keys to Intel's property and the question is basically one of professional ethics and trust. The "access to information" assumed to be protected by another Intel employee does not expose Randal to legal action. Otherwise, all security related jobs should be aware that opening unlocked doors... no, just testing the doorknob is grounds for prosecution.

Randal's offsite access to Intel systems is similar to a watchman driving by the site on his own time to "check things out." He used a "personal copy" of an Intel key to access the facility and start in touch with Intel activity. Often found on site by other Intel staff, he was questioned regarding his "off duty" efforts and the only concern was that he remember to lock the door when he left... NEVER THAT HE WAS WORKING for Intel's interests. That was assumed by all involved. It was only after another "competitive watchman" questioned Randal's actions and took no action to lock the unlocked doors but to alert others to this security violation that the police were involved. The police unfortunately could not understand the purpose of Randal's efforts... to test for unlocked doors or cheap security hardware that would not stop a professional thief for more than minutes. Intel did not honor Randal's professional attention to their security environment but watched the prosecution of a professional "doing what thousands of computer professions are rewarded for doing..." increasing the security and information exclusivity of an employer's facility and data.

I believe that finding unlocked doors is not a crime and that any watchman that does NOT regularly test such doors for security should be subject to "malpractice" as a trained professional. Reaching Randal's level of ability in this area has taken years of effort and his professional integrity has been damaged and he has a reasonable case for malicious prosecution and deserves damages for these actions.

When the police act to convict a "watchman" for testing locks, with every intention to report the number of locks found to be "below industry standards" it is a crime against common sense and indication that they do NOT understand the distinction between theft and vigilance.

In short...ridiculous. I certainly will not buy another Intel product and frankly will not be missing out on much as a result.

Based on the accounts I've read, Randal's only crime was zealous defense of Intel's own interests.

Intel is very much in the moral wrong here, and ought to be the one in the legal wrong. Intel should be the one that should be paying the fines, since as I read the "crimes", he was doing what anyone doing a security consultation would and should do. Given Intel's apparent lack of security it is a wonder that Intel did not pay him a bonus instead of being the reactionary ingrates they appear to be. I certainly won't buy any Intel products unless this is overturn, or Intel comes to its sanity.

If at all possible please forward this to Intel. I doubt that they would care less with just signatures. Unless a dent is made in their profits, I suspect they will consider themselves in the right when they are clearly wrong.

This case seems to be a mis-application of the Oregon statute. The element of harm seem to be misusing from this alleged crime. The element of mens rea also seems to be entirely missing. In light of Mr. Schwartz naive cooperation with the police, the sentences seem quite excessive.

Until this matter is properly resolved no entity over which I have control will use any Intel product. In addition I will be quite vocal in recommending against the use of Intel products. This is an absolute TRAVESTY.

To call the Oregon computer crime law vague would be a gross understatement. The way I read it, you could be prosecuted for accidentally looking at the monitor of a computer you were not 'authorized' to see. If someone accidentally guessed the password on a display model in a store and started playing with it, that would be a 'computer crime'. Incredibly ridiculous.

Intel's railroad is worse than many things the government accomplishes, and I sincerely hope that something comes up to return them the favor. With their incredible influence on the case it should not even have been tried in Washington County, or even Oregon. With no proof of intent to harm it appears that the jury was cowed into submission by Intel's presence, and the verdict was already decided prior to any testimony. Sounds like the old west idea of "let's give him a fair trial and a hanging". I will be quite certain to never take a consulting job with Intel, and definitely none in Oregon. Egregious miscarriage of justice is the lightest I can put it.

It appears embarrassment was the motive for prosecution here. A sad and pathetic demonstration of 'corporate ignorance'.

Yet another travesty of justice in the arena of computer crime. I was in a similar (well, not case-wise) situation involving a charge of computer crime conducted by people who did not know a thing about the situations involved.

It's a shame that someone with the notion of doing good for a company, be attacked like this.

Heard your talk today. Scared the hell out of me since I do intrusion testing for a living and never thought about getting a written release. From now on I will.

Intel seems to have the same cocky as Microsoft. Too much power for one company.

I would like to thank Randal for providing me with a method of income in a highly competitive employment market. I program CGI's utilizing PERL and without his hours of toil, I would not be [ ... ]. Thank you and best wishes.

What Intel did makes me sick. From the facts of the case you'd think they know nothing about computers. For a system administrator to openly check for weak passwords on the machines he is paid to maintain, and then be sent to jail by his client?

Intel has shot itself in the foot with this one. I will never work with or for in cooperation with them after learning that they might willfully misconstrue normal performance of the job as "computer crime". And I will advise others not to do business with then as well.

Punishments should match the crime. This is a travesty of justice. After reading all of the reports, it appears that Randal was just doing his job. Now, Intel didn't like the way he did it, so they try to throw him in jail. Intel: You make us sick. We will never EVER purchase another chip from your horrible company. Also to the DA, Judge and Jury: You people have no idea what happened. You don't have the mental capacity to understand what any of this means. You were just out to appease Intel.

To be charged and sentenced for what I do for money is downright criminal! I wonder how Intel feels about SATAN... I'll be buying Cyrix processors, not a Pentiums, from now on.

Kafkaesque. Intel has created an enormous amount of negative publicity in this case, because the people most aware of it are in the industry most vital to Intel. I believe Intel would serve THEMSELVES well to help overturn the conviction and pay every penny this cost Schwartz. Until I hear that they have done so, Intel will be no friend of mine.

This is a perfect example of the Justice System wasting our taxes. I am appalled at the treatment of someone who was trying to help the Intel Corp. If this is the way their employees are treated, it is no wonder I shy away from them. I feel Randal's disbelief and anguish as I am sure do most of the other "sane" people on the planet familiar with his situation. Hang in there...

I have lost A LOT of respect for Intel through the years but between the unimpressiveness of the P6 chip this court case takes the cake. I am now personally boycotting Intel...

Ppl at Intel,

I was going to write how dumb you all have been. If i had been the judge and all this information had been presented to me i would have simply laughed in your face. How can you turn on someone after he has helped you out so much?

It is truly a disgrace when the tools that an administrator requires to do their job adequately are denied use by the very people who are asking to protect them. If the same policies were in place to stop police officers from being able to perform their jobs, there would be public outcry from all sides. We deal with an industry where it is all too easy to play on the public's fears and their ignorance of the world in which we choose to work. They simply don't understand what is required to do the tasks that we do on a day to day basis. Because of this, legislators find it easy to bias public sentiment against us. What they really need to realize is that we are the only group able to defend the privacy of their information for those with malicious intent, and if they tie our hands in the performance of that duty, then they have no one to blame but themselves.

You should admit your mistake and aggressively fight the conviction of Randal Schwartz. You should award him for the damage done.

Common sense dictates this. The facts of the case cost your reputation to any sensible observer. The fact that the State of Oregon does not agree is irrelevant.

Intel's case is patently ridiculous to anyone who knows anything about large computer installations and the myriad things that are done by various people to keep them running smoothly. For a corporation like Intel, which earns its bread from the computer using community, to take what they must (or should) know is a hypocritical stance and injure the community in order to further a vendetta against a former employee does not augur well for it's future as a cutting edge technology company with the freedom and trust in employees that that requires.

I only heard of the prosecution of Randal today [ ... ], and I find it incomprehensible that he should be charged with the offenses described. I myself have done similar things in my time as a sysadmin, and never have these actions been considered anything more than routine, especially when you are dealing with a sensitive site whose security is paramount.

I would just like to wish Randal the best of luck in getting this miscarriage of justice reversed.

It's a shame that Intel chose to bite the hand that was feeding it at the time and, in so doing, lost the services of one of the finest computer professionals around. Keep it up, Randal!

I am surprised and utterly appalled by the details of this case. It could only have been put forth by total incompetents or perhaps persons with less savory reasons for doing so. A very long time ago Intel was an aggressive and forward thinking technological company. Now it appears that they are nothing but a hotbed of lawyers and fools whose best ideas about advancing their company are by threat and intimidation rather than cutting edge technology. I would suggest that people design their next generation computer with a different chip - that is one certain way to send a message to the sort that appear to be in control at Intel these days.

Hmmmmm.... On the one hand, Unless Randal told Intel, or had a previous contract with Intel to do what he did, He was in the wrong. But, on the other hand, it should have meant he would never get another job with Intel, NOT prosecution.... If you would like, you can let Intel know that as a bit of a boycott action, the next 15 computer systems I sell will be AMD or Cyrix processors... One for every year Randal could have gotten.... Have a good day....

His belief was that we was doing the right thing for Intel

Being stupid and naive don't justify such heavy handed treatment, especially when no harm was done and the motive was not malicious.

It is hard to believe that a big company dealing with professional computing makes such big mistakes by misusing its employees talents.

I wonder that Intel isn't afraid of alienating the community that supplies them with the people they need to remain a contender in the industry. I, for one, will never work for them, and will advise my friends [ ... ] of the same. Good Luck

Good luck, Randal. Your experiences have persuaded me to purchase a Cyrix or AMD-based motherboard.

Isn't it amazing what the judicial system of the USA can do if one has enough money. This case doesn't encourage me to trust in the impartiality of the USA's courts.

this is what happens when organizations get large enough that they are run by people who lack perspective. i am disappointed at the conduct of [ Intel ].

Having dealt with "the Intel Culture", the actions they have taken are not very surprising. There is a certain amount of vindictiveness that results when management are shown the error of their ways. It reinforces my opinions of Intel and their business practices to see them go to this extreme in persecuting Randal Schwartz. I am sure it does not help morale within their company either. But Andy Grove believes that paranoia is a positive virtue (as the title of his new book demonstrates), he is quite willing for his employees to live that way...

I strongly believe Randal performed a service for Intel and if his superiors had any inkling of a clue, they'd see what an asset he is.

Please do not go to the police because of things which happen within a computer. In this case, the proportions are wrong. Give people an account, so they don't have to hack in the first place.

I will never knowingly purchase or recommend purchase of an intel project based on these occurrences.

I will have no business dealings Intel, and will advise every qualified system administrator I know to avoid employment by Intel. It's just too dangerous.

Intel - What do you hope to accomplish by all this?

This case is just another example of Intel's blatant misuse of obscure laws to strike against people who cannot agree with the Intel's (i.e.. Andy Grove's) slogan 'Only the paranoid survive'.

I just bought 2 cyrix top-of-the-line computers today! It would have been Intel....

Randal has made many great contributions to the Perl programming community, and it is a shame to see him made out to be a criminal, due to this lack of understanding of "computer crime."

The only reason I can see for this prosecution is to divert attention away from the lax security which Randal discovered. If Randal were an employee of the US Gov't, he'd be protected (in theory, at least) by the whistleblower's law.

Shame on you, Intel.

Outrageous, simply outrageous! Enough to scare me out of going freelance again.

Perhaps the Linux community ought to consider an Intel boycott.

Intel, please reconsider your involvement in this case. Your active withdrawal from the case and return of Mr. Schwartz' restitution will help establish a precedent that will build useful and fair laws for everyone.

Intel did this just because he caught one of their VPs. It just hurt that person's ego and he made sure that Randal pays for it. If he really had bad intentions, he could have done a lot with his password. Instead of thanking him they are trying to put him behind bars!! They are setting a very good example for other good people who are worrying about Intel's security!!

I have listened to Randal's talk JA(c)PH; I definitely learned a lesson on how thin the line is between 'going the extra mile' and 'being charged with offense', at least for sysadmins. Nothing can return what Randal has lost because of this episode. I wish him strength and justice, in due measure.

Thanks [ to Randal ] for the talk. Your talk brings up some issues that I have been talking about since I got here. [ ... ] People, as contractors, need to have some guidelines, practices and standards. It will not only improve our performance, but possibly protect us from something like this. The most completely horrible thing about all of this is that it is criminal and not civil. The second is that a giant like Intel would cause such a thing and accept money. What motivates them? Their creativity will surely disappear in an environment as strict and militant as that.

Just goes to show you. No good deed goes unpunished.

Randal - hang in there. If there is anything I can ever do. Just email.

Learning about this incident has convinced me to upgrade my family's 486 to a Cyrix instead of a Pentium.

The actions of Randal Schwartz were not smart or brilliant. This does not allow Intel to wield its corporate might through the laws of the State of Oregon and besmirch a person's reputation. Intel would be smart and show corporate responsibility to fix the holes in its corporate computer security system. Punishing the messenger seems to be the corporate practice. Intel needs to take responsibility for its own ineptitude of running a poorly secured computer system. I find it horrendous when one can use a commercial program to crack a supposedly secure computer system. This is Intel's legacy not Randal Schwartz's. Get with it Intel and be glad that someone benign pointed out the holes.

How can this man be persecuted for doing his job.

The role of a sys admin is to maintain the integrity of the system he/she is trusted to run.

This includes the security of that system. To find possible security breaches and fix them.

Indeed I think that law this time is an ass.

Great, now Intel employees really have to make sure that they do not disclose the recipes for Intel cafeteria food. Or do any reverse engineering on them. Or even take a sandwich home for internal "processing", just to see if it is safe for other Intel employees. Intel must keep every edge it has eh? No signs of weakness eh?

Trust no one! Only the Paranoid survive.

Me? I like to assume I have friends. Sometimes it even seems that way!

Well, I've always been somewhat anti-Intel, but this takes the cake. No more Intel chips in my house!

Intel obviously never deserved to enjoy Randal's services and just as obviously still don't.

Randal, if you ever read this, you have my full support. I've been a perl programmer since 4.035 days (OK, that's not so long ago), or almost as long as I've had anything at all to do with computers. I use perl for almost everything, and I'm trying to convert as many as possible. An now, with perl 5 and perl/Tk, even graphical user interfaces are within reach.

I guess I'm a perl hacker by disposition. I'm immensely fascinated by JAPH one-liners, and I've tried to decode every single entry in the obf. perl contest of TPJ. I love tricks like the Schwartzian Transform (I've even used it in a program), and similar map/grep things.

I guess what I'm saying is "Thank you!"

Thank you for showing us the perl of great ugliness and immense beauty.

Thank you for all you clarifying comments and answers on comp.lang.perl[.misc] and for your infinite patience with beginners like myself in answering questions that have pinned us down, yet when the answer arrives it's so obvious we blush.

I hope someone undoes this US legal system blunder before more damage is done. (Did someone say land of the lawsuit?)

If there's anything I can contribute of time and effort, please let me know. I'm not in a position to contribute financially, but I can write.

Intel's corporate behavior in this matter has been myopic and ill- considered. I hope that its senior management will reverse this.

I don't think I would have done anything different in his position. It sound to me like someone at Intel took a dislike to Randal. What a nightmare!

If his methods of serving his client (you) are bad, then you should have fired him. It seems pretty doubtful he was trying to steal anything, as he did nothing to conceal his work.

I will not buy Intel products until Intel admits it was wrong in the prosecution of Randal Schwartz and makes full restitution.

I just recently heard of this case. I will protest in the only language a corporation understands, that of money. It will be my recommendation to my company, my colleagues and friends to buy chips from your competitors rather than Intel. I will also do whatever I can to inform the public of your company's actions. Pathetic.

This seems kind of like arresting the security guard who, in good faith, demonstrates that the security system needs revision.

I consider myself fortunate that I live [ ... ] where these type of outrage [ cannot ] occur. I hope that the state of Oregon will change their laws about computer crime to be more realistic instead of being against the defendant (guilty until proven innocent ?)

Intel Security=Khan
Oregon D.A.=puppet

After reading the prosecution's closing arguments in this case I was outraged. Then I got scared when I realized it could easily happen to me.

Come on Intel, this guy did the same thing every one of us sysadmins would do; that is, to make the systems we are responsible for as secure as possible.

Grow up and get the DA to remove the charges.

Intel had better hope they never have a need for my services. They could not hire me for any price. I value my freedom too greatly.

At some point large corporations become elephants who (literally) crush people without intent (or awareness). Honor and justice demands that a company, once it is aware of what has happened, redress this situation.

Intel is an outstanding company. One hopes that it is has the integrity to right this wrong.

Big Bullies always loose, look at Apple, Commodore, add Intel soon?

Randal's story makes a strong case for the intelligent review and rewriting of current computer-related law with a special eye towards motive and intent phrasing, and a realistic understanding of just what kind of activity the law is meant to discourage and punish.

I've known Randal for many years and I know that he has real integrity as well as being technically astute. Intel was lucky to have him, and foolish to loose him. I continue to be mystified by both Intel's position on this matter and the law itself. The law is absurd, as any computer literate person will tell you, and needs to be changed. I'm sorry Randal had to be the one to run afoul of this flawed piece of law, but I'm impressed with how he continues to handle himself with grace and integrity. I am eager to see justice done in his case and to see the law changed, and will do what I can to support Randal in his efforts to do both.

Compilation by SP 27 Nov 1999. Revised 12 Dec 1999.