How important is UAC?

Exactly as the topic implies, how important is it with things like defense against malware, viruses, etc.

At the moment, i have it switched off, as i find it more of an annoyance than helpful.
I am running Win7, not Vista.

If this is the wrong forum, forgive me, i didn't want to place this inside malware removal, as threads that need help with actual malware removal should take precedence over a simple question.

Thanks,
Saken

 

I have always had UAC turned off on both my Windows 7 machines, and having it off has never caused any issues. As long as you get your software from a trusted source (here at Majorgeeks would be a good example) you should be just fine. A good anti-virus application is necessary no matter if you have UAC on or off.

 

If malware were somehow to gain access to your machine, and then set about its mischief, UAC would pop up and ask for confirmation that these operations being requested are being requested by you. If they are not then you have the chance to block them and possibly save yourself a whole load of trouble. So it's really not a good move at all to turn it off - it's your last line of defence.

 

True, if you are not the most computer-savvy person, it might be a good idea to have it on, I was just saying that it's not completely necessary if you have a good anti-virus and a anti-malware program installed. I've never had UAC on and I've never had a problem with viruses or malware, but if it makes you feel more secure, then by all means have it on. The final decision is up to you.

 

My house has never burned down either, but that doesn't make it a good idea not to have house insurance. There isn't a single logical argument in favour of turning UAC off.

 

I'm not sure you can really compare the risk and consequences of your house burning down to the risk and consequences of your computer getting malware or a virus. Both should be taken seriously, but they are both definitely not on the same scale.

 

Thanks for the replies, i will consider switching UAC back on, it's just incredibly annoying and sometimes doesn't allow me permission to things i really need to do.