User Account Control

(U-A-C)

A security feature introduced in Windows Vista, the operating system designed to follow Windows XP. Basically, UAC will run most programs in a restrictive context instead of administrative context. Most users set their computer up so that they are running with administrative priviledges all the time. Current malware uses this to install itself into areas of the operating system that should be protected from all by true administrative users.

By running software in more restrictive contexts, it should not be able to make changes to critical portions of the operating system. This will mean that when you set Vista up you will need to actually establish an administrator account with a password and if software wants to make operating system changes you will be asked for that password. This will, at least, alert you to when such changes have been requested and make a decision about allowing them.

Sadly, if history is a guide, many people will still just blindly enter their password when asked and not think about the consequences. But, it's a start.

More Information

• User Account Control Windows Vista Policies Blog Entry