> > This is just an example of how it can be done. The modified identd 
> > has to run as root, thus the inetd.conf file has to be edited too.
> > identd should be statically linked, to reduce the startup overhead.
>
> Of course, this example assumes that:
> 	(1) identd should be runinng at all, and

Granted, not everyone think it's a good idea.  But as far as I
know, it's part of the distribution...

> 	(2) in any case, the kernel bloat is worth a bit of
> 	    convenience for identd.
>
> I'd say that the latter is definitely not true, and the former is
> probably not.

It's not just the convenience this is for.

This way we could get rid of endlessly looping identd processes
which sometimes happens (if you *do* run identd) because the kernel
data structures change under identd's feet, and we could also
correct the situation where identd sometimes fails to give back
correct information for the same reason.

Lastly, there is the efficiency issue -- I'm told the speed gains
can be in the range of a factor of 2 to 3.  (Note that in the
changes Tor Egge sent in there are a couple of other "significant"
lines which cause the parent to initialize YP and/or DNS libraries
which also help speed-wise...)

Since running identd is optional, the kernel code should somehow
also be made optional, e.g. converted to an LKM or by adding Yet
Another Kernel Option.  Going the LKM route this problem can then
probably not be solved through sysctl.

- H=E5vard