SSL certificates knowledge question

[Buddyholly83]

I am connecting to an SSL server, essentially i am using the Crypt::SSLeay module. The module does all the work for me, checks the servers certificate etc.
Although i dont need a certificate to access the server I know i can provide one, presumeably so the server can authenticate me? under what circumstances would this be useful?

Thanks %-)

 

[KevinADC]

under any circumstances where the user needs to be relatively sure you are who you are representing yourself to be and confidential/sensitive information will be transmitted over the internet (generally for e-commerce). It's all about trust, which there is very little of anymore with annonymity and the potential for massive fraud over a vehicle like the internet.

You are far more likely to be defrauded by the local store employee that has access to your credit card numbers and your identification, right in front of their eyes, but at least you know who you are dealing with in that circumstance, whereas on the internet, it could be someone in China you are sending your confidential information to.