Preventing Unsafe Actions with User Account Control

One of the most visible security changes, at least while you’re setting up and configuring a new computer, is User Account Control (UAC). It’s also one of the most controversial—and potentially most effective. In short, UAC intercedes whenever a user or program attempts to perform a system administrative task and asks for the consent of a computer administrator before commencing what could be risky business. A typical request looks like the one shown in Figure 10-1.

The UAC prompt appears on the darkened secure desktop, centered on the location where you clicked the shortcut, button, or link that triggered the prompt.

Figure 10-1. The UAC prompt appears on the darkened secure desktop, centered on the location where you clicked the shortcut, button, ...

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