Create power user priviledges with XP Pro

I recently got a new computer. I noticed yesterday that it was not securely set up.

I was using the Administrator account with no password. :-o
That should have been a clue, but since I did not see the screen with the name administrator I didn't notice it.

So I have now passworded it.

But now I want to create a Power user account for me to use. While I am a geek wannabe, I am a power internet user.

I called my brother on his lunch hour, and he said set up a group.Then we were cut off. I don't know how to do that. :confused

Would someone to walk me through setting up the group and creating the power user account. Or send me to a site with good instructions on now to do this?

 

Do you simply mean creating another Admin account?

 

Hello,

Thanks for the rely. I was reading that it is dangerous to go in the Interent with administor privledges. So I tried making a regular user account for my use. Since I am on the internet most of the day I thought that would be safer.

However, it has so many restrictions I can't do what I need to do. I thought there was power user setting that would not be as unsafe as using the Administrator account. But I don't see it. My brother said I needed to be part of a group to do that. However, I don't know what that means. So I hardly even know how to ask for what I need.

Can I make an account that will allow me to use my software and go on the internet? If I make a regular account I can't access the databases in my software, only the programs. So I need full access to certain programs and internet access without leaving my computer unprotected as an administrator type account would.

Is that possible?

Thanks,

Pete22

 

Yes as far as I know, unless someone knows a much simpler way, its quite tricky to set a new group, set up security policies and account restrictions. For the basic to advanced user anyway ... usually only Network Admins, School IT Managers etc employ such security.

As long as you have some good layered security, a good AV program and you surf safely you should be fine.

By layered security I mean a good HW firewall along with Port Stealthing and Ping Blocking, Excessive Session detection is usually a good one ... then there's the software firewall ... always try to use a third party firewall ... there's other blocking programs such as Peer Guardian 2, its very useful for blocking unwanted and stray traffic ... then there's your AV program and then there's the little helpers in the background such as Spybot S&D. Also, two big things, password everything. INCLUDING changing the default password on you router.

Personally, I use the Default modem that my ISP provides, it actually as some very good security features including the HW security already mentioned. I use Symantec NIS 09 (there has been a lot of skepticism over the quality of Nortons products over the last coupla years, this year is the year it has all changed ... I've stuck with them since 05 and this years improvement is unbelievable. Also a great thing about NIS 09 is it has a Firewall and AV together, plus it has a feature called Browser Safe ... when you search for something in Google and other search engines it will display an Icon next to the website name, if its safe and secure it will display a green tick, if it has any security risks at all it will display a yellow exclamation mark, if it is a High Risk Attack site it will display a red cross and will not let you access it unless you click I Wish To View This Page Anyway.

After NIS I use PG2 ... although it does require a lot of setup it does block a lot of traffic, dangerous. unwanted and unnecessary ... and then I use MBAM, SAS and Spybot S&D. On top of that everything is pass worded with a password with some numbers and letters, Caps and No Caps.

I don't think Ive missed anything lol ...

 

Wow thank you.

I will try to work at getting this all done. I have a router but do not know what kind of protection it has.

I will check out the software you mentioned. Some I have never heard of before, so I am glad to find out.

Since I am not too geeky, I may need some more clarification if I get stuck.

Thank again.

Now I can set my self up to be safer on the internet.


Pete22

 

NP :major

Good luck!

 

So howd ya go?????

 

Hello, Thanks for asking.

Unfortunately, my newly reinstalled XP was not stable. So I have had all kinds of trouble. I am getting a new computer this week and will try your suggestions on my new computer. So stay tuned.

Pete22

 

Righteo I will await your next reply