Is it really unsafe to log no as admin in XP?

[indigo0086]

I was just wondering because I have a fresh install of my OS and want to "do it right" this time without causing too much harm, I was wondering if it's better to stay as a secondary user without admin privelages, only logging on when needing an application or hardware install.

[Rehsa4]

it's depends on how paranoid you are and how often you mess up your computer

i run as admin, you can if you want and don't do stupid stuff online, like pron sites you've never been to can mess you up etc.

being a limited user is nice, but it's too limited for my tastes.

[indigo0086]

well I've never had any major malfunctions wiht my computer, though I don't have a firewall and download a lot.  I use routine antivirus.  I was thinking more of remote hacking stuff but I guess that's rare.  Do you recommend a firewall program (free) that is good?

[Rehsa4]

a router is really ther most of a firewall you need, any other firewall will pretty much limit someone granting access if you download something bad.

zonealarm i still like as a free firewall, but that was a LONG time ago, i haven't seen if they have changed anything.

[Derillion]

i run balls out. no anti-virus, no firewall. balls to the wall. I mean I have my router firewall which works good enough for my purposes. but I like my system way bare. it does what i want it to do, no surprises. my overhead when it's idle is like none. and if I install a program i don't like, i just reinstall my whole system and don't install that one again. i've got it almost down to a science. =P

edit: and I *tweak* my services in windows when i want to play games like oblivion.