administrative / limited dual accounts & the internet

[BobLewiston]

In Windows XP, in addition to an administrative account, I have a limited account for the internet (to help safeguard against malware).

Should I log off of my administrative account before accessing the net via my limited account?

And is there any way for a website to infect you other than actually going to that website?

[jkolak]

Using a standard account instead of an administrator account means that if malware slips in while you are using the computer, the permissions set will not be adminstrator, which can limit the damage.

Remotely hacking your computer like you hear in high profile cases on the news is unlikely if you are not a high profile target.

Most malware is designed to cast a wide net to get as many victims as possible. More computers are infected with social engineering, that is, getting people to visit sites they shouldn't, downloading things they shouldn't and clicking on things they shouldn't.

Here's a couple of articles you can read about safe computing:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial82.html

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/