Distributed Directory Server (Build 2) readme.txt


---What is new?
Jul 29: Build 1
	Simple directory server mirror, lotsa bugs, no configuration tool, no logs or statistics files
Aug 01: Build 2
	Budding directory server clone, no visible bugs, no configuration tool, no logs or statistics files


---What can't I do with this?
- Generate statistics files
Next build.  I'm debating between keeping PriitK's rather ugly format (nothing personal)
and writing my own with time stamps and things usable for generating population over
time graphs.

- Change internal settings using an INI file.
Next build.  A lot of work has gone into this release; I completely tore down the
previous directory server model in favor of a more modular and reliable system.
Thus, I have dubbed this version Build 2.  The settings are hard-coded, because
frankly it facilitates testing when I'm always in VC++ 6.0 making changes.

- Security logs/blacklists
Next build, or the one after that.  Right now the server simply ignores them, but I
would like to maintain a log file and ban users for violations.  There's also the
issue of several DoS vulnerabilities I need to plug up in the core protocol through
limiters and other such patented Catid teq.  It'll happen, eventually.


---What can I do with this?
+ Use DDirServ to directly update zone information
This feature was lacking in Build 1.  Now you can add the directory server's hostname
or IP address to [Directory]:IP= and directly update the server list.  As a result, this
is no longer a directory server mirror but a (limited) directory server clone.

+ Mirror directory server data from more commonly used dservs
If you want to run your own, private directory server for some odd reason, you won't be
getting many listing from zones.  DDirServ's primary function is to get these listings
for you; jump-start your network with this tool!

+ Cache server lists for faster download on localhost
Good for LAN parties, as it automatically filters zones you cannot enter.
It's a no-hassle alternative to coordinating everyone through your firewall.

+ Learn from the code
I wrote this as a test for the new SSBot3 netgen.  It performs beautifully!
Keep your eyes peeled for further releases using this core, especially new bots.


---Enjoy!
As this is a pre-release, I would appriciate the efforts of anyone who would like
to analyze its effectiveness in dealing with certain DoS vulnerabillities present
in all SubSpace software to date.


ICQ#18736684
Catid@pacbell.net
http://venus.spaceports.com/~catid/
ftp://catid.dyn.dhs.org