If you are a user of a Microsoft Windows Operating System such as Windows XP, there is a VERY simple thing you can do to lessen the chance that a virus or other spawn of the Anti-Programmers will be able to get a good grip on your computer…

You see, most Windows operating systems have the really bad habit of setting up your first user account to default as an “administrator” account. What is this and why is it bad?

Well, an Administrator account refers to special privileges granted to the user of that account. Your account does not have to be named “Administrator” to have Administrator privileges. Basically, an Administrator can do anything to the computer. Install software, adjust drivers, etc.

Most pieces of malware that hang around in your system (viruses, etc.) need to make changes at a very low level in your operating system in order to “infect” your computer. You on the other hand, probably do not need administrator privileges when you are doing work such as surfing the internet, word processing, etc.

This means that if you set up and log into a second user account on your computer that is not an administrator, and use this account whenever you are doing things that do not require administrator access, you can prevent a lot of virus’s and other malware from infecting your computer.

ThePaladin has his computer set up this way. He logs in as a normal user unless he needs to install or uninstall software, printers, etc. Since these tasks are not ones normally performed every day, he most typically is logged in as a non-administrator.

Give this some thought. This requires zero money to implement and by itself can save you a lot of heartaches in the future.