What kind of user account do you normally use?

This is for Windows XP users (maybe 2000, not sure). What account do you use for everyday activities? Also post a brief reason.

On my computers, I run as an admin. In that manner, i can be sure that teh application will install and that it will function fully when run.

and as teh sole user of my computers (well one of 'em anyways), having just one account makes more sense and it leaves Windows nice n tidy.

 

Admin account only. Limited account is useless for a skilled user & complicated for a newbie.

 

Agreed.

 

Hi,
vote = admin

I usually make 2 accounts, 1 which is admin and goes by my name and the other I name 'Limited' for obvious reasons.

 

Admin acc.
However I prefer a sandbox with it like GesWall, Defensewall etc.

 

Tried Limited for some time. It worked, but not all programs like it So eventually went back to Administrator mainly.

 

Hello,
Windows does not work well with Limited. I use Admin account in Windows. Saves the hassle of broken and semi-broken software runs. Limited can be ok for newbs.
Mrk

 

As far I noticed, security experts usually advice to use a limited account, but I prefer an administrator account.
It's risky, but I'm still working on my security setup and I don't fool around on the internet, YET.

 

I use a limited account and use "run as" when necessary.

 

Admin

 

Admin for me. I am aware of the security implications but I don't think XP is very good with user accounts at all. I set up my sister's computer with limited user accounts complications with some software installs. This definitely put me off even thinking of a limited user for myself.
Different approach in Vista but for XP on 3 computers I am Admin.

 

Only one computer and one user here so it makes sense to just use Admin.

 

Admin with only a hardware and sofware FW. Full-time AV scanner in OFF position. Still waiting for a PC bugs.

 

Surprising... with all the security experts out there and IT professionals recommending we run as limited accounts only...

And here at Wilders, where all they gather... all run as admin.

:T

 

Admin account only, so i am the only person using my Laptop.

 

Admin for me also.

 

maybe Vista will change this. tho somehow i think id still want to be admin under Vista.

 

I'm a little suprised too.

 

It's very difficult to catch a PC bug if you use the gray matter between your ears. Would you want to put on training wheels if you already know how to ride a bike?

A limited account is the right answer for a click-happy noobs.

 

Admin account only, I am the only person using my computer. You really can't fix problems with a program or OS on a limited account.

 

Greetings All,

I'm surprised that so many are running as an Administrator, I personally run as a Limited User and us "Run As" as and when it's needed. It doesn't cause me any issues and Eset NOD32 AntiVirus System along with Webroot Spy Sweeper don't encounter any issues running with said priviledges. I know it's said by many Security Specialists that you shouldn't run as an Administrator, and in all honesty, regardless of the view that this type of Account is for those of little Internet knowledge, I still believe it's a strong attack mitigator in the sense that if a Trojan Horse or a Worm penetrates your outer defense such as a Software Firewall or a Hardware Firewall Router, the "damage" it causes your system is severely reduced. I have two Accounts on my system, my current Profile, and the Administrator Account along with ASP.NET and the appropriate IIS-related Accounts.

This method's affects were shown in good stead when I had an encounter with a Trojan Horse exploiting the Windows MetaFile issues patched 6 months ago by Microsoft, my system is up-to-date, I was using my day-to-day Limited User Account and am running Eset NOD32 AntiVirus System along side Webroot Spy Sweeper. I was searching for MySQL Hosting and followed a legitimate looking hyperlink. Lest to say Internet Explorer bore the brunt of the attacker, meanwhile my AntiVirus Client quarantined the infected files instantly with Spy Sweeper bring up said rear blocking communication with the Server. I think they're a brilliantly complimented pair. Either way, my system wasn't affected and it could have been far worse. I'm considering installing Windows Vista BETA 2 and if anything, I'll be using the same method.

Regards,

Scott Sutton

 

The primary goal is to use common sense so that your PC is not susceptible to such attacks. My 2nd line of defense is to have available several good image files of the OS to restore in case of an infection.

Since my OS partition is under 900MB, I can create or restore the image file in under 40 seconds.

To me, running with a restricted account is like driving with one eye closed. I will gladly give a little in PC security to gain a lot in PC useability.

 

Only user, so Admin. here.

 

This is true. Limited accounts are too... stripped if you will, and there is no easy way to install programs or get half of what I use to work in a limited account.

Admin is the evil. But less bothersome.