XP User Accounts - Do you use Administrator?

[itakey]

I have my computers set up and I am using Administrator as my main account. Windows recommends leaving Administrator for installs only.

Do you run a separate profile, or just run the administrator as your own? I've used the administrator many years with no issues.
Thoughts?

 

[Brainonska511]

I had set up my laptop the last time I reformatted to be limited user full time with an admin account part time, but I was having issues with the way XP is with limited users and some programs. EAC wouldn't work properly with the limited account and files I copied from the administrator account to my limited account after ripping a CD were not movable by the limited account... I'm sure there was a way to fix the latter, but I didn't want to deal with the hassle, especially after I had just finished my 4 month trial of Ubuntu on my laptop.

Edit:
To clarify, I use my main account as an administrator, but I do not use the Administrator account.

 

[itakey]

So it sounds like all the way.

 

[mechBgon]

Thread with poll on this topic from some time ago.

XP User Accounts - Do you use Administrator?

No, I don't use Administrator accounts on XP or 2000 (or Vista or 7 either), except for actual Admin duties.

My view is that using an Admin account on XP/2000 for daily-driver stuff is like driving my car without fastening my seatbelt. Oh sure, it works fine... until there's an accident. Air bags and crumple zones don't help much when the occupant has been thrown through the windshield or ejected out a door in a rollover.

Just my 2¢ worth 😉

 

[itakey]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Thread with poll on this topic from some time ago.

XP User Accounts - Do you use Administrator?

No, I don't use Administrator accounts on XP or 2000 (or Vista or 7 either), except for actual Admin duties.

My view is that using an Admin account on XP/2000 for daily-driver stuff is like driving my car without fastening my seatbelt. Oh sure, it works fine... until there's an accident. Air bags and crumple zones don't help much when the occupant has been thrown through the windshield or ejected out a door in a rollover.

Just my 2¢ worth 😉

If you create a user account that has administration rights does the new account have all of the capabilities the Administrator account has? If so, i'll just keep using admin.

 

[corkyg]

If you are the sole user and no one else has access, it really is a convenient way to go have the capability to run as administrator.

Sometimes is is necessary - example, ATI Catalyst Control Center will only install upgrades if in "Administrator" mode.

In XP, getting into that mode requires a Registry edit to get that "Open As" choice in menus. Vista makes it easy.

 

[frostedflakes]

I use an admin account because I have antivirus software and am smart enough to avoid malware.

I have set some relatives up with limited accounts, though.

 

[theAnimal]

I almost never use the Administrator account, but always run as administrator.

 

[nordloewelabs]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
My view is that using an Admin account on XP/2000 for daily-driver stuff is like driving my car without fastening my seatbelt. Oh sure, it works fine... until there's an accident.

well put. :thumbsup:

i use limited accounts on my 3 computers (Win2K, WinXP, Win7) and i only log as admin to perform admin tasks. if a software doesnt behave well under limited privileges, there's usually a way to get around the problem.... the easiest (and also the sloppiest) is to use the "r-click > Run As" trick....

however, my favourite way is to look for the file/folder/registry key that needs Admin rights and change its permissions. lots of work, but little worry.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I used to but not anymore. I normally use a limited access account for everyday stuff.