The default user account is not root, but an admin account, which is perfectly fine to use on a daily basis. It is not necessary to set up a different account than the one you started with, unless you're adding another user.I read in another forum that after getting a Mac, one should create another login account (without admin privileges) so that one doesn't log in as root (for security reasons).
Is this necessary?
What layer? There is no security advantage to setting up a separate non-admin account.No, it's not necessary.
Yes, it does add an extra layer of security.
I'd recommend doing it.
I read in another forum that after getting a Mac, one should create another login account (without admin privileges) so that one doesn't log in as root (for security reasons).
Is this necessary?
What layer? There is no security advantage to setting up a separate non-admin account.
A standard user can install some apps for that user without entering an admin password, so there is no extra step in many cases.It asks you to type in the admin account name as well as the password, instead of just the password for any system changes.
If you're sharing with others, it's best to set up a separate account for each user, whether your account is standard or admin. Again, no advantage to running standard.If you're sharing it with others, then it's best to use a standard at all times and keep the admin user/password combo to yourself if you're the admin.
Yes, I know many people claim it's preferable, but they're just repeating what they heard. I think many carry over this line of thought from Windows, where there is more of a security difference. They don't provide any proof that there is an advantage on Mac OS X.Also, a simple google search shows not running even as admin even though it doesn't have root access if preferable security wise (if you want to believe them or not its up to you).
A standard user can install apps for that user without entering an admin password, so there is no extra step in many cases.
That's not true. Create a standard user account. Download, install and launch iStat Pro. Download and launch All2MP3. This is just 2 examples where no password is requested or required. Some apps will ask for a password; many don't.A standard user is almost always asked to authenticate (enter admin username and password) when installing a new app while an admin is not.
That's not true. Create a standard user account. Download, install and launch iStat Pro. Download and launch All2MP3. This is just 2 examples where no password is requested or required. Some apps will ask for a password; many don't.
No it's not necessary.
It CAN create an additional layer of security.
A standard user is almost always asked to authenticate (enter admin username and password) when installing a new app while an admin is not. That's the extra step of protection. Unless they changed this in Mountain Lion, it has always been that way as far as I remember under OSX.
Is it worth the extra step of protection if you're the only user and you know what you're doing? Probably not. However with more and more malware available, it's an added step of security. Again, it's up to the user if they want it or not.
Running as non-admin should add an authentication step when deleting standard installed-with-the-OS programs.
How many times have people come here and posted "I accidentally deleted my System Preferences? Where do I get a replacement?".
So, admin and root are not the same? Okay. (I come from an Ubuntu background.)