XP, Running software as Limited User

[alexmacdonald]

I have seen a lot of posts relating to non-admin users not being able to run certain programs. While it can be a bad idea to run any NT Dist. using an admin acount all the time it sure is handy not to have to log off and on just to get something done. The answer lies in "group policies". All NT distributions include a pre-defined set of user accounts, from the all powerful "administrator" to the lowly "guest". Most users belong somewhere in the middle. So if you've been having this problem, open the computer management console and familarize yourself with "local users and groups". In the groups section you will see the pre-defined user account groups all setup and ready to go for you. All you need to do is add a user name to the group you think will work. For most "Power user" will be the best bet. double click power user, add the "user's name" and click apply. The user must already have a limited user account set up inorder to be added to the higher group, if they have an admin account they will continue to have admin rights. Power Users have most admin privelidges for running software etc... but not the security risk's that come with an admin account. While you're in the Computer Management console, look around and have some fun, it's very powerful and all aspects of the XP system are hidden in there somewhere.

[fatboyjim]

Well, Thanks

[GaryRouth]

Thanks!

I'm guessing/hoping that the next revision of XP gives us program-specific
controls for each user. Could be implemented fairly easily: let's say a list
of programs, with boxes of permission levels beside them ...sort of like the
file-specific read-write-delete-copy permissions. Actually, it might have
that in XP Pro (I have only the Home Ed.)....

Most versions of Linux already let the root account do this.
...Gary