Admin/limited accounts

Hi everyone

I'm currently logging into Windows XP as Administrator because I still use lots of software that isn't properly designed for Windows NT (i.e. stuff that ignores user profiles or tries to write data outside the profile folder...especially games). I can often get around these problems by changing permissions but it feels like a bit of a fight.

Still, I keep wondering if running as Administrator is a Bad Thing. I'm really not sure. On the one hand, I've seen posts in here by savvy users recommending running as a limited user, which would certainly seem to be a good idea from a security point of view, but on the other hand Microsoft itself seems to indirectly encourage running with Admin privs.

Thoughts?

Is the use of limited accounts becoming more widespread now?

How come XP SP2 still encourages you to create an administrative, rather than a limited, account immediately after installation? Is this an indication of technical expediency or Microsoft's preference for the way we should run the OS?

Also, what about running a limited account and automatic updates...how does that work?

Is running a limited account a worthwhile security measure or an unnecessary pain in the ***?

As you can see, I'm interested in general comments or opinions.

Thanks!
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