![]() ![]() This feature allows administrators to perform normal day-to-day tasks such as checking e-mail or browsing the Web while running with a standard user token. User Account Control even has a mode designed to help keep administrator-level accounts protected while they are doing non-administrative activities-Admin Approval Mode. Microsoft calls this Over-the-Shoulder(OTS) Credentials, as the password could easily be typed in by someone leaning over the user's shoulder. When standard users attempts to access a task that requires administrator-level access, they will be prompted to enter an administrator password. In the following screen-shot, the Add Hardware and Device Manager control panels require administrator access, while Default Programs and Administrative Tools do not (note that all the actual tools under the Admin Tools control panel would need admin access to run). Microsoft identifies these with a small shield icon. Of course, there are still some tasks that need Administrator-level access. Install Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) to connect to secure wireless networks.Create and configure Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections.Add printers (as long as the necessary drivers are pre-installed on the computer or allowed by an IT admin via Group Policy). ![]() Standard user accounts under Windows Vista are able to access a number of common tasks that they could not with previous version of Windows: Running as a standard user, while it cannot eliminate malware threats, does reduce the risk that a piece of software will be able to make system-wide changes without the user's knowledge. User Account Control allows users to run Windows with standard user privileges and decrease the number of tasks and applications that require administrator privilege. Having a large number of computers with Administrator-level user accounts on the network aided malware and virus writers, as their programs could exploit system-level privileges to damage files, change system settings, and even send sensitive information back to the malware author. Even the simplest operation, such as clicking the taskbar clock to view a calendar, required administrator privileges. Under previous versions of Windows, the majority of user accounts were configured as a member of the local administrator's group, because administrator privileges were required to install, update, or run many software applications without conflicts, and to perform typical system-level tasks. User Account Control is one part of that strategy. With Windows Vista, Microsoft is working to improve the overall security of their operating system. ![]() It is highly recommended that you upgrade to Windows 10 or 8. No further development will take place on these products and security updates are no longer issued. These products are no longer actively supported by Microsoft. If we are unable to resolve your Windows 9x/2000/XP/Vista issue, you may be able to find help in Microsoft's Knowledge Base. NOTE: Windows 95/98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista are no longer supported by the Help Desk. This document explains the User Account Control feature that is new with Windows Vista. ![]()
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