Windows XP home ed.?

Question

I have been advised to use a " limited account " rather than a " Admin account ".
Reason being.. Admin allows intrusions into your browser because of the types of control an Admin user has, e.g downloading software etc. ( which a limited user cannot do for most programs ).
Is this true? If so, then how can I move all of my files ( Favs. Games, Pictures, Music etc ) from my current limited account into a new, Admin account?

Answer 1

Here's the scoop:

With an administrator account, you can do things that will mess up the computer like run a program from an email you get that is actually a virus. These files usually end with the letters EXE, but there are others like (believe it or not) .COM which is SO easy to click on. Think about it - if I sent you an email with an attachment called MYSPACE.COM you might be tempted to double click on it, right???? Well in computer 'extension' speak, COM stands for COMMAND. EXE stands for EXECUTABLE. Get it?

With a limited account, windows does not allow you to start exe or com files (as well as other file types).

I am an IT consultant, and work on computers many hours a day, every day of the week. My own computer logon is a limited account. You DONT NEED to always run as administrator.

Regarding downloading PROGRAMS - you shouldnt do this. PROGRAMS could be viruses. If you get them from the net, most likely they are.

Now, FILES on the other hand can be freely downloaded using a limited account. Whats a file? a letter, a song, a powerpoint presentation, a picture - stuff like that.

The only time you NEED admin is when you install a NEW program like microsoft word. Once its installed, go back to the limited account and read the individual word files. How many times a year will you need to logon as admin? Maybe once or twice.

Answer 2

Admin account you can move files from limited account to Admin account and not the other way around.
And about the "intrusions into your browser" hasn't happen to me i have always used an administer account.

Answer 3

Create 2 accounts for yourself, an admin account and a limited account. Do everything on your limited account, only use your admin account for modifying settings, admin required access, changing global settings, etc, etc.

Answer 4

the admin account does not 'allow' instrusions,,, it just makes it easier for an inexperienced user to do sth he/she shouldnt...

that includes running insecure file that may harm your computer...
(nothing that a good anti virus/spyware cant prevent)


now...about the files...each user has a folder in 'your system drive letter':\Documents and Settings\

in there are the files you are looking for...favs/pictures or music
(if you use the My Music/My Video etc folders)..if not, the files are just where they used to be(unless they are on the desktop folder..in that case move them somewhere else..)

if the games were installed, they probably are acessible through other accounts, so you shouldnt have to worry about it..

Answer 5

The only difference between XP Home and XP Pro is that the XP Pro has 'networking capabilities' that enable you to connect one computer directly to another/others in order for each computer to see and use the files on both/all simultaneously. Those 'networking capabilities' of XP Pro make it a LOT easier for nefarious parties to exploit the OS, and therefore, harder to lock it down against said nefarious parties. Unless you need to connect another computer to yours, you do NOT _NEED_ XP Pro as opposed to XP Home.

Answer 6

I have Admin access on my PC and I don't have any problems. It's typically recommended in a business environment, but not for a home user.

Answer 7

Copy on to a cd and paste on to the new folders.