i've heard that surfing while logged in to a user account (limited) is safer by far than using an administrator account to prevent or limit damaging effects of malware etc. but how safe is it? would any nasty stuff be confined to that user account and be trashed by deleting the account ? can a virus or whatever get into other accounts via a common file or program ?
Safe Surfing -or not ! XP Professional
- Thread starter rayokeefe
- Start date
computer repair
banned
If you work in a Limited User account, you might be able to decrease the effect of a virus or other malicious software.
But if the attack happens while you're in an Administrator account, the attacker can gain full access to your computer and the results can range from annoying to catastrophic.
When you work in an Administrator account, you can:
•
Set up your computer and install your initial software and hardware.
•
Set preferences and make repairs.
•
Add new programs and hardware, such as music-sharing software or a printer.
Administrator accounts are the default type of account for Windows XP.
A Limited User account lets you use most of the capabilities of the computer, but only an Administrator can make changes that affect other users of the computer. For example, in a Limited User account, you can use:
•
Web browsers and e-mail programs
•
Productivity programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint
•
Entertainment programs that let you play music and video, edit photographs, and much more
But if the attack happens while you're in an Administrator account, the attacker can gain full access to your computer and the results can range from annoying to catastrophic.
When you work in an Administrator account, you can:
•
Set up your computer and install your initial software and hardware.
•
Set preferences and make repairs.
•
Add new programs and hardware, such as music-sharing software or a printer.
Administrator accounts are the default type of account for Windows XP.
A Limited User account lets you use most of the capabilities of the computer, but only an Administrator can make changes that affect other users of the computer. For example, in a Limited User account, you can use:
•
Web browsers and e-mail programs
•
Productivity programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint
•
Entertainment programs that let you play music and video, edit photographs, and much more