Administrator or Root Verses Guest Account

You should never log in as Administrator or use your computer logged in as Administrator in Windows or Linux for everyday computing. Administrator account is all powerful and is meant to be used only for making important changes to your computer. Examples of important Administrator functions are defragging the hard drive in Windows, installing updates, and setting up internet access.

For day to day computer usage please use the Guest account in Windows and your user account in Linux. The best reason to use Guest account is due to the following scenario which is a common reaction among average computer users.

When logged in as Administrator in Windows (and Linux, but it does not apply the same way) on the internet, a pop up window opens stating you just won a prize, etc, most people click ‘Okay’ or ‘Click Here’ to close this window.

Because the Administrator account is the account being used, it is possible that clicking ‘Okay’ may install a virus. This can conceivably  happen because the Administrator is the highest level user and the popup now has Administrator’s permission to do whatever it wants.

Using the Guest account is a smarter and safer method. I use the Guest account for most of what I do in Windows when I use Windows. The Guest account does not have the same permissions as the Administrator which makes it safer for the computer. By using the ‘Guest’ account you are minimizing the damage that can be done to the Windows Operating system.

Using Linux is a little different. There are individual user accounts that each user should use, and only one Administrator  account. If you are in the guest account and going to do something only the Administrator can do, you will be asked for the password. This generally will not happen.

If someone wants to use a computer using Windows, have them use the Guest Account. If you let them use the Administrator Account, they can make changes and/or add and remove programs or files from the computer. If a virus infection happens, it may not be possible to undo the virus, and that is not good.

Firewalls

In Linux there is a basic Firewall installed protecting the computer from most common intrusions. The firewall can be customized and upgraded if you choose. In Windows the installed Firewall does not offer this level of protection. The Linux Firewall can also be modified to block certain websites and selected search words. There are stronger Firewalls for Windows, but usually they must be paid for.

Windows Virus Protection

On most of the computers there is very basic anti-virus software installed by Windows. It is important to increase the virus protection WIndows has with at least free and preferably commercial anti-virus software. No virus protection is completely safe. The best protection for your computer is a user that thinks.

If You Have Problems

If anyone installs copied or stolen software on the computer, the computer will get viruses or worse, and the Windows Operating System will eventually quit working. There is no easy way to fix a broken Windows computer and make it work again. Reinstalling Windows is usually the only choice, and is at least a six hour process if all goes well. Reinstalling Windows can take sixteen or more hours to do on a slow connection. I would rather spend my time on more enjoyable tasks.