how is different between rhost and /etc/hosts.equiv ?

[restrospec]

I think both rhost and /etc/hosts.equiv can take superuser login without password to remote server.
I trouble that how is different between rhost and /etc/hosts.equiv.

Please suggest me.

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

Two ways to do the same thing.

hosts.equiv overrides settings of .rhosts as I recall.

It is safer and more secure to use secure shell (openssh) and exchange public keys.

SEP

[Rasheed Tamton]

The /etc/hosts.equiv file defines system-wide equivalency, whereas a user's .rhosts file defines equivalency between the local user and any remote users to whom the local user chooses to allow or deny access.

When a request is made for access, the /etc/hosts.equiv file is searched first. If a match is found, access is permitted. If no match is found, the .rhosts file is searched, if one exists in the local user's home directory. If the local user is a superuser, /etc/hosts.equiv is ignored.

man hosts.equiv (for more details)

[Safarali]

host.equiv is based on the host, .rhost based on the user
both are not secure

Regards
Safar

[skt_skt]

.rhost keeps control on host/IP level. hosts.equiv can be enetred with host@user specific restriction