[Bush2000]

Yes it is. They could have administrator and root like with Linux and Mac. 99%+ of Mac users don't even know root exists, yet they can do everything they generally need to do with their computers.

As with SwordMaker, don't make the mistake of assuming that, because your Windows box comes preconfigured with you as Administrator that it's a flaw in the OS. It ain't. Dell or whoever configured the box made that choice for their own convenience.

[antiRepublicrat]

It ain't. Dell or whoever configured the box made that choice for their own convenience.

That's the default, even if you buy Windows and install it. I wouldn't be surprised if the OEM contracts preclude this messing around with the defaults.

Meanwhile, Linux and Mac come relatively secure out of the box. This problem of poor default security settings, except for the administrator problem, will be somewhat alleviated in XP SP2.

[Swordmaker]

As with SwordMaker, don't make the mistake of assuming that, because your Windows box comes preconfigured with you as Administrator that it's a flaw in the OS. It ain't. Dell or whoever configured the box made that choice for their own convenience.

Excuse me, Bush... on second thought DON'T excuse me... but exactly what access level does a new installation of Windows, on either an old or new computer, present to the user at completion? Oh, Administrator Access... thought so.