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SecuritySuggestionsTable of ContentsMore Security ProtectionThere are further measures users can take to help protect their computers, this article will endeavor to make additional suggestions although not explicitly essential, they are certainly ideas to consider to maintain a healthy computer. User PrivilegesOne of the best ways to protect Windows 2000, XP and Vista machines from viruses and spyware is to set users as "Limited Users". This means that the day-to-day user can change their own settings like passwords and wallpaper but can't change system settings. This will add another layer of protection from spyware and viruses and these will find it difficult to mess up the entire machine with limited privileges. Unfortunately Windows doesn't make it easy. The biggest problem is this sort of security was unknown in earlier versions of Windows like 3.1 95 98 and ME so a lot of software and hardware were designed without taking this into account making it difficult to install. So there are some tricks to watch when setting up a limited user profile. To setup and change user accounts it's necessary to go Control Panel and User Account's but first make sure you have a user with Administrators Priviliges Set Up Administrators AccountAt least one user profile has to be an administrator that can control all the settings and the other accounts, including the passwords. So choose an existing account and check it is already an Administrator. Make sure it is password protected with a good password by clicking Create Password and following the instructions. This password is important. If you forget it, it can be difficult to get it back and therefor gain access to your computer, so we'd recommend keeping it in a safe place. It should also be something other users, particularly the kids, won't easily guess. Create the other accountsFirst create the accounts for other users through "User Accounts" in "Control Panel". The wizard will ask you what type of accounts you want, make sure you select limited users accounts for the others including yourself. If the accounts are already created, check they are limited and correct if there are not. Check the profilesOnce they've been changed, you should check each profile to see the programs are running. If you find a program that isn't, you'll need to check with the manufacturer's website to see how you can work around this. It might be necessary to change the user back to an administrator while you fix the program. One of the big frustrations is that some software and hardware will not work at all in a Limited User profiles. The only solution we can recommend is to find a replacement product or only use it on a machine without Internet access. If this all sounds complex, it is. Microsoft dropped the ball badly with Windows XP security and we are seeing the results in the massive spyware epidemic. Apple have handled security far better and we recommend buying a Mac to prevent music hungry teenagers from destroying your computer. Installing SoftwareIt is now possible to install most programs with the Run As ... feature found in Windows 2000 through Vista. Just right click on the setup program and select Run As ..., fill in Administrators name and password and follow the prompts If Installing as "Run As ... Doesn't WorkIf install as Run As ... doesn't work, as mentioned at the onset of this article, some programs will have not been designed to install with limited privileges. If you have no joy using the previous method, log onto the Administrator user and install the program. If it is poorly written you might need to create a shortcut for all users to access them from limited users accounts. Yes it is a little more difficult to operate this way, however, you will rest well knowing you have contributed greatly to a safe and healthy computer environment All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License |