Thank you, thank you, thank you for “Why So Shy About Locking Down Systems?” (July 25).
Of all the articles that Ive seen about spyware, viruses, general security and so on, yours is the first that addresses this issue. Since I started using and recommending Windows XP a couple of years ago, Ive had all users run with simple User rights and I have never (knock on wood) had a users computer infected by any kind of “malware.”
I always feel like Im swimming against the stream to get these ideas out there. I think eWEEK should run articles often about programs that dont conform to the “Designed for Windows XP” program requirements.
In fact, I dont think it would be unreasonable for just about every article about spyware/adware/viruses to have a reference to user security. Its frustrating to call a vendor and not be able to find anyone who is even familiar with user rights or for whom the solution isnt just to run as Administrator.
Thanks for your article and insight. Please keep pushing Microsoft and the industry on this. I think if Microsoft would stop the Windows XP installation process from creating accounts with Administrator rights and stop the Small Business Server ConnectComputer facility from adding the user to the Administrators group, that would go a long way toward alleviating the problem, as vendors eventually get tired of support calls from users and adopt the “Designed for Windows XP” principles, even if they dont actually pay for the certification.
Mike Downey
Downey Tech LLC
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