Microsoft has issued a Windows Vista tool to developers
that will help them make sure their software does not clash with
security features built into the OS.
The Standard User Analyser tool helps developers write programs
that will work with Vista’s User Account Control (UAC) feature,
which enables a PC to run with fewer user privileges to help
improve security.
During its own early Vista testing, Microsoft found that half of
the test programs it ran with Vista could not cope with the UAC
feature.
The company therefore wants to make sure the stumbling blocks
are removed when the OS starts shipping to large companies this
November.
Running Vista with fewer privileges could improve the security
of Windows. Malicious code that finds its way onto a PC running in
the administrator mode can usually do more damage to the
system.
Administrator mode is the typical setting used by existing
Windows XP users, unless it’s changed by IT departments.
Microsoft's Standard User Analyser is available on Microsoft's
Download Center website.