Do you use UAC (User Account Control)?

[mitchell65]

I notice that a lot of newcommers to this Forum seem to turn off UAC as that get annoyed with it keep asking for confirmation of an action.
Do you run it and if so why?

 

[maxie]

Sure i use it ..... The reason being we all from time to time make mistakes it is very easy to click on some thing you dont intend to .... Also i would say its even easier when using a Laptop with a touch pad

 

[paulpicks21]

Nope, don't use it, it does my head in so it's one of the first things I turn off after a clean install.

 

[UsernameIssues]

>Do you run it...
I use the UAC. I turn it up all the way (one notch above the default) as do some other forum members.

>...and if so why?
In theory, that setting should stop a drive-by install or changes to the computer.

If you turn UAC off and if you are logged in as an admin user - then explorer.exe and its children run at the high integrity level instead of the much safer medium integrity level. Running a web browser at the high integrity level is simply more dangerous.

 

[mitchell65]

Nope, don't use it, it does my head in so it's one of the first things I turn off after a clean install.

That's the bit I don't understand! I hope you don't mind me asking but, what do you mean "It does your head in?" Do you really find it that annoying even when you think just how much it CAN protect you from?
I wonder if this is an age thing, is it the more youthful memebrs here who find it frustrating? I wonder?

 

[Stephanie]

Its to easy to click the wrong button so I do like to keep UAC

 

[paulpicks21]

Nope, don't use it, it does my head in so it's one of the first things I turn off after a clean install.

That's the bit I don't understand! I hope you don't mind me asking but, what do you mean "It does your head in?" Do you really find it that annoying even when you think just how much it CAN protect you from?
I wonder if this is an age thing, is it the more youthful memebrs here who find it frustrating? I wonder?

Not at all, well I am the only person to use this PC and I am very careful about what I do on it and where I download stuff from.
I am always messing with stuff on my PC and it pops up so often that it really got on my nerves.
I fully understand it's there to protect you, but in all the years I have owned Windows 7 I have not ran into any trouble with it turned off.

Paul.

 

[sgage]

Not at all, well I am the only person to use this PC and I am very careful about what I do on it and where I download stuff from..

Until one day you're a little tired and in a hurry and not paying close attention...

I never understood the problem with UAC - it's just a click, and it can save LOTS of grief...

 

[mitchell65]

I have not ran into any trouble with it turned off.

Yet!!

 

[Stephanie]

I have not ran into any trouble with it turned off.

Yet!!

Second that

 

[paulpicks21]

You guys make it sound like the end of the world is coming with it turned off.

I do a system image once a week so if the worst did ever happen I would be back to normal within minutes.

It's the way I like it and that is that.


Paul.

 

[Cr00zng]

Yes, I do and it forces me to enter the password for the admin account. It's pretty much the same as Linux Mint, except the UAC cannot be disabled in Linux Mint. At least not by my knowledge level of this Linux.

Malware can routinely bypass/disable UAC and my system also has MS EMET running to block buffer-overflows in internet connected and other applications.

 

[md2lgyk]

One of the first things I did after upgrading to Win 7 was disable UAC. It was so annoying I couldn't stand it. It's not an age thing - I'm 65. I am the only user of my laptop and, believe it or not, in 15 years of using the internet, have never once been hijacked or infected with anything. UAC may be useful for some, but I'll take my chances.

 

[derekimo]

Mine is at default setting, doesn't really bother me.

You should make this a poll.

 

[Gary]

No, I have it disabled.

 

[Cr00zng]

You guys make it sound like the end of the world is coming with it turned off.

The end of the world is coming, regardless of the UAC settings... :roflmao:

I do a system image once a week so if the worst did ever happen I would be back to normal within minutes.

It's the way I like it and that is that.


Paul.

For each of its own...

Malware nowadays isn't as noticeable as it used to be, especially the ones that trying to steal your information, money, etc. The seemingly a OK system may have this type of malware running in the background, collecting information, transferring your money, etc. Once you notice some issues and restore from backup, the chances are that this type of malware will be restored as well.

 

[Golden]

Yes, I view it as the last line of defence to getting something installed on my system.

 

[Gary]

"Cr00zng"

Malware nowadays isn't as noticeable as it used to be, especially the ones that trying to steal your information, money, etc. The seemingly a OK system may have this type of malware running in the background, collecting information, transferring your money, etc. Once you notice some issues and restore from backup, the chances are that this type of malware will be restored as well.

That is why I have Avast Internet Security running. I also am behind a Nat Router.

 

[Golden]

It's pretty much the same as Linux Mint, except the UAC cannot be disabled in Linux Mint. At least not by my knowledge level of this Linux

An analogy, although not exactly accurate:
Linux = SUDO
Windows = UAC

In Linux, you never (usually) run with administrator privileges - hence you are required to elevate certain commands using SUDO.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudo

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I not only run UAC, I have it cranked all the way up. Sure it's annoying but it takes only a second or two to read the popup and click on it; even as close to the grave as I am, I feel I can spare that much time.

UAC is like insurance. You may go for years never needing to collect on insurance but, if you ever do need it, it's priceless. It's just too easy for some nasty to get into your system without your knowledge and start upo a harmful process. UAC, when allowed to work as designed and is used properly (i.e. read the popups before clicking on them), will let you know if an unwanted process is trying to start up.