Windows XP: Limited Account.....?

[Soccer Dave]

Just wondering how many people on here use a limited account for everyday things like surfing the net?

Why do you use a limited account as opposed to a admin account? is it because its safer?

[Daniel da Silva]

Ideally one should use the WinXP Limited Account for everyday use, I agree. But from experience the Limited Account just doesn't cut it for me. On my everyday computer use I run a lot of different applications for work and they just don't behave right when under a Limited Account. I think the Limited Account was poorly implemented by Microsoft as it never allows you to escalate to a higher level when certain tasks needs to be completed.

I also use Ubuntu on a daily basis and I think the Linux implementation of privilege escalation is much better. When using Ubuntu, if I need to change administrative settings, or install a software, etc... I can just type in the root password and do all these tasks, without having to be logged on as root.

What I do with Windows XP, and also my recommendation to whoever needs to use an Administrator Account, is to always have a good and up to date anti-virus, firewall software and anti-adware/spyware. And of course, always use good judgment. Unless you are expecting the file, never run any files you receive as e-mail attachments, even if you know the person sending it. Be careful with suspicious sites, be careful with what you download. You know, just use good sense.

[cotojo]

I use an admin account but also surf within a sandbox therefore encountering no problems as when I close the sandbox everything goes with it.
For me it's essential as I play around with malware and tools that will remove it. So I can safely download any program or exe files from email attachments and run them in another sandbox....works for me
Zero infections.

On the other hand, I setup my daughters laptop where she has a Limited Account and when she is home with her mother I can access it using a remote access program and solve her problems should she get any. I also use the same program to access other users computers in many different countries and troubleshoot them.

[jed slade]

I think most don,t even know what account they are on.I use admin because sometimes you really need it in a hurry.

[Mark L]

I would have to recommend using a limited account whenever possible for surfing because the effect of a compromise (and I am thinking mainly of drive-by infections with malware) are pretty much crippled by this. Of course, day to day, it can be irksome to have to log into another account for admin tasks though fast user switching can help.

Server 2003, Server 2008 and Vista all run IE with very restricted rights and that seems to help a very great deal.

Mark

[Alex]

An Admin account has more options than a limited account, such as Editing the registry downloading things etc... and i use an Admin account