Is it ok to log into Win2k as Admin all the time?
- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
I asked this several months ago and was answered it might be dangerous when connected via xdsl or cable modem. When you're always connected, the chances to be hacked by some fool are greater of course. In such a context, being logged as an admin would give the hacker the power to do anything on your system... Why don't you simply create a "power user" account? They have many rights, but not ALL rights, and you can always launch or install an app "as" an admin.
That's what I was said.
Well, for me it works, and with the appropriate firewall I feel now more secure (though not completely secure, but I tend to become a bit paranoid
).
Hope this helps.
Cheers.
That's what I was said.
Well, for me it works, and with the appropriate firewall I feel now more secure (though not completely secure, but I tend to become a bit paranoid
).Hope this helps.
Cheers.
I'm getting DSL in a few days, and since I'll be staying online permanently I'm picking up a firewall and also creating a new user name for online DLing when I'm not home so that all you can do is DL. Then admin for when I'm home and can watch.
Basic reason for not using Adm user account is to have it available, in reserve, should your everyday adm user account become unworkable and you need to be able to get in and fix things.
You should only use Admin when you have to. Win2000 has a neat little feature called "Run As" which you should get aquainted with, it allows you to run stuff as any other user, such as Admin. If a trojan gets into your system, it will run with whatever permissions you are running with. If you are on as an admin, it can wipe out system stuff.
I don't even use Power User, as there is no point in my setup. All my stuff runs fine as a regular User. If I need other access, I can Run As an admin or a power user if need be.
I disabled a lot of programs under Admin just in case. I didn't even set up email, to avoid the temptation of actually reading mail when I am logged in for the brief times I need Admin.
I don't even use Power User, as there is no point in my setup. All my stuff runs fine as a regular User. If I need other access, I can Run As an admin or a power user if need be.
I disabled a lot of programs under Admin just in case. I didn't even set up email, to avoid the temptation of actually reading mail when I am logged in for the brief times I need Admin.
For many regular users, logging on as admin is a lot easier, since you have access to everything and don't have to worry about multiple accounts and passwords. The security risk is there if you have a dsl or cable connection, but seriously the chances of being hacked is minimal. If you have important stuff by all means have another account and a firewall.
rbloedow, I just noticed....
How do you run win2k on such little ram? I mean, open a coupla programs and it slows dramatically right? Another sticka 28buck crucial ram would do wonders.
How do you run win2k on such little ram? I mean, open a coupla programs and it slows dramatically right? Another sticka 28buck crucial ram would do wonders.
Don't leave yourself logged in as Administrator.
This is basically equivalent to leaving yourself logged in as root in Unix. Even if your machine is in a single-user private environment, you should set up a new account for yourself as Normal User and just use that one.
This protects your machine from SEVERAL types of attacks.
But the biggest reason is to prevent yourself (or any program you run, including Trojan Horses) from overwriting and/or replacing vital system files that control access to your computer. If you're running as a normal user, the worst you can do is trash the files you have access to (which should not be able to hose the entire system). If you click on a bad file attachment, for instance, if you're logged in as Administrator, you can probably kiss your system goodbye. But if you're logged in as a limited user, then the damage is controlled.
Kyle
This is basically equivalent to leaving yourself logged in as root in Unix. Even if your machine is in a single-user private environment, you should set up a new account for yourself as Normal User and just use that one.
This protects your machine from SEVERAL types of attacks.
But the biggest reason is to prevent yourself (or any program you run, including Trojan Horses) from overwriting and/or replacing vital system files that control access to your computer. If you're running as a normal user, the worst you can do is trash the files you have access to (which should not be able to hose the entire system). If you click on a bad file attachment, for instance, if you're logged in as Administrator, you can probably kiss your system goodbye. But if you're logged in as a limited user, then the damage is controlled.
Kyle
How do you setup an account as a regular user, but with the same start menu and desktop as Admin? Thanks
- Oct 31, 2000
- 27,519
- 2
- 81
yea, another 2 sticks of 32mb SIMMS would do wonders, but I don't have 60 bucks in my hand It's isn't really that bad. I am in the process of buying/building a new computer. I need to buy all of the hardware, then one day (maybe next month) I'll be able to say that I have an 850 mhz duron machine. But, until then, I'll just have to keep running one prog at a time
It's isn't really that bad. I am in the process of buying/building a new computer. I need to buy all of the hardware, then one day (maybe next month) I'll be able to say that I have an 850 mhz duron machine. But, until then, I'll just have to keep running one prog at a time im too lazy to log in as anything but admin, the last time i set up a machine with win2k i did have several log ins. frankly if i get hacked its prb skrewed anyway...
I agree with patgod. Make sure you have a good backup of your files and you'll be fine running just administrator. I'm on a cable modem 24x7 logged on as Admin and I'm just fine...
Agree with Patgod...I will continue to use Admin until such time as I get hacked. Then, after the hacker is through getting his rocks off on my system, I will reload my system from backup and wait for the next jerk-off to abuse my system.
I just finished creating a different "User" account so that I don't have to stay logged in as "Administrator" 24/7. My question is can I use the "Profile Copy" option to transfer my "Administrator" profile to this new user?? If so, is this NOT the right thing do as all my administrator options will move with it?
You need to create another user profile with power user priviledges and use that as your everyday account. When you are signed in as an administrator, a crap load of other utilities run in the background and give quit a hit on performance especially on games. Also it saves you from accidentily making registry changes.
Thanks KBtn. I have done that but how do I get the same desktop that I have as admin? Also I nedd to enter registration info again. For example when I start CloneCD when I'm logged in as the new user, It asks me for the registration number. I was wondering if there was a way I could get around this.
RalfHutter
Diamond Member
- Dec 29, 2000
- 3,202
- 0
- 76
i'm always logged in with my user name, but i gave it admin powers. main reason is that i have to debug programs for cs all the time, and some poorly written software requires admin powers to install/run. i'm the only person on my computer and i've pretty much locked it down, so as long as you take the proper precautions it's ok.
SUOrangeman
Diamond Member
- Oct 12, 1999
- 8,361
- 0
- 0
I saw this in someone's e-mail signature:
Confuscious say, "He who play with root eventually kill tree."
For those who don't get it, anyone with root (or Admin) privileges is far more likely to break something (and not be able to recover) than normal/power users.
With Win2K, you can access Admin when needed by using SHIFT+right-click on executables and shortcuts. That's all you need!
-SUO
Confuscious say, "He who play with root eventually kill tree."
For those who don't get it, anyone with root (or Admin) privileges is far more likely to break something (and not be able to recover) than normal/power users.
With Win2K, you can access Admin when needed by using SHIFT+right-click on executables and shortcuts. That's all you need!
-SUO
Funny, I've been using Win2K for a year, always logging on as Admin and I haven't broken my system yet.
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