Re: Administrator sign-on

M.I.5¾ wrote:
"Daave" <daave@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%23LXqlK$LKHA.4004@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

William B. Lurie wrote:
Daave wrote:
William B. Lurie wrote:
Daave wrote:
William B. Lurie wrote:
Daave wrote:
William B. Lurie wrote:
XP/SP2.... In order to correct a Norton Anti-Virus problem,
I was asked to "Sign on as Administrator". In the years I've
used XP, I never had to do so. I do Start>>Log Off and I see
a choice of Switch User/Log Off but I don't see any different
log on. I am now, and have always been, the sole owner and
user of this computer and I'd have assumed that I'm
automatically the "Administrator". Can someone tell me how to
specifically start up and "Sign on as Administrator?"
Try this:

Start | Control Panel | User Accounts

Underneath "or pick an account to change" how many accounts
(other than "Guest") are listed? What does it say under the
account you normally use -- "Computer administrator" or
"Limited"? If it says "Computer administrator" and if Norton is
instructing
you to "Sign on as Administrator", then I would contact their
support since you are already paying for it.

Then again, you could always ditch Norton. :-)


Au contraire, Dave, I have found their Chat support a tremendous
improvement over their old stiff unhelpful ways. Between times,
they took control and fixed the glitch. I guess i"m one of
the'few people who are happy with them.
If you like 'em, keep 'em.

So is your account "compter administator"? Never assume. :-)


My main sign-on account is "Compaq Owner". To get to the
"Administrator" account, I have to go to Safe Mode, and
then I get a choice of "Compaq Owner" or "Administrator".
Same guy. I get to wear two hats.

Once more...

Is the account which is called "Compaq Owner" administrative or
limited? (Follow my "Try This" instructions above.) Note that I am
*not* referring whatsoever to the built-in Administrator account
which in XP Home may only be accessed via Safe Mode. Is this the
only account you have?

Have you contacted Norton yet, and if so, did they provide a
solution? If so, please post it so others may learn.


Daave, I spent 20 minutes letting Norton take over my machine,
download a patch and execute it. The problem is solved. Obviously
there was a glitch in the software, resulting in the need to be
patched. I did your "Try this" just now, and the answer is that it
shows
exactly *one* account in addition to the Guest Account. The
account is labeled Compaq-Owner , and under that, in somewhat
smaller font, "Computer Administrator".

Thanks for following up.

YW.

Now you know your account is an administrative account (which means
you may have to be more careful than someone running a limited
account when it comes to activities like installing programs and
updates, etc.).

A limited account shouldn't be able to install programs let alone
updates.

You are, of course, correct. What I meant to say is that an
administrative account can be more dangerous to run for some people if
they are not careful precisely because more changes can be made to the
PC compared to when one runs a limited account. Programs (sometimes
malicious) and updates (sometimes unwanted) won't be installed unless
the user allows it. And a limited account is more "idiot proof" with
regard to this.

Many people recommend that people use a Limited Account for most of
their activities and only use an administrative one when they need to
install programs and updates. Although I can understand the logic and I
believe that's usually how things are done in the Linux world
(normally), personally I would rather just have a strong backup system
and run as an admin. But for others, I figure it's good to let them know
about the method mentioned above; they can make up their minds.

As long as you don't mind spending the occasional "20 minutes letting
Norton take over [your] machine," then you might as well keep Norton
if you are happy with it.


Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I hate Norton personally, but
I know people who are extremely satisfied with it. Granted: they
know nothing of computers and it gives the perception of working in
the background without getting in the way, so they are happy.

Personally, I hate Norton. Although I understand the lastest version
isn't necessarily too resource-hungry, I still wouldn't recommend it
from past experience and knowing how intrusive it can be. But like you
said, if someone's happy with it, they're happy.


.

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