Watch out Vista here comes Norton's UAC
Nikhil Rastogi, Oct 19, 2008 0700 hrs IST
Fed up of Vista's UAC, then try out Norton's smarter UAC approach.
In the past there has been much hullabaloo regards Windows Vista UAC (User Access Control) being more of a nagware than an effective tool for security. Honestly speaking the concept is good, though the implementation of it is where it lacks.
For most UAC isn't too much of a bother, as people are generally not changing settings at system level or installing a lot of software, but for us techies, it's just a pain in the behind. Only a few things that can be done to solve this.
1. Either turn it off completely
2. Or elevate prompts for administrator, a simple way to do this is using the Tweak UAC tool.
But there is a third way to "have your cake and eat it too", well atleast Norton thinks so! Now before you shoot off in the comments regarding the bloatedness of Norton's product, I must say you've been right in the past but not in this case.
What's UAC's Goal?
To understand the concept of UAC is the main question itself. The main goal of UAC is a way to make the user aware of core/system changes. You cannot (well not yet) expect the operating system to understand the difference between good install and bad install. For the OS it is always ON or OFF, you either install something or you don't.
Therefore Microsoft has a tough decision as to what to do and therefore came up with a system that tells you everytime something happens in the system. Now before you shoot off hate comments, yes there is something immature in this thinking and yes not only Microsoft but many industry leaders are trying to solve these security issues.
Microsoft unfortunately keeps stating that Windows 7 UAC will be much better cooked, but this leaves us Vista users with a half-baked idea; not a very nice place to be in. This is where Norton fills the gap with an innovative approach. I m not saying it's perfect but it is on the way to becoming better.
To better understand the philosophy of Microsoft UAC prompts, I recommend reading Is the "quiet" mode of UAC less secure? by the author of TweakUAC. It's well written and simple to understand without technical jargon.
Before we venture ahead try to look at this UAC issue as a whole rather than Vista UAC VS Norton UAC.
What is Norton's UAC Tool?
Though still in beta stage, Norton User Account Control tool replaces Windows UAC. It utilizes Vista's UAC feature while at the same time improving upon it. So instead of being a nagging wife, it hopes to be a must-have security buddy.
What does Norton UAC Tool hope to achieve?
A better, smarter, stronger, nicer, intelligent security advisor tool; isn't that the goal of almost every security product out there. Here's what Norton UAC hopes to finally achieve.
1. To be more user-friendly. The Tool aims at providing as much information as possible, while at the same time providing recommendations. It will supposedly do this with signature info of the executable. Note this means that software vendors have to co-operate immensely, this is not a one-sided effort.
2. A "Remember me" feature that allows users to suppress future prompts from the same action. This is important to understand. When you allow an application administrative right, your system is now in a state-of-no-return. Therefore "Remember me" feature, though nice, should be used carefully. Microsoft assuming users would abuse this feature, didn't include it.
3. The tool will eventually build a white-list and a black-list database on administrative actions performed by the user. This will in effect also reduce UAC prompts.
Note the fourth and the last point
4. The Norton User Account Control tool will collect user input as well as information about the application that causes UAC prompts. This data will be processed to help build and improve the comprehensiveness and robustness of the white list.
I know what you are thinking and no that's not what they mean. Data is meant by "meta data" that an application has and nothing else.
It is essential to build white/black lists and also for making the program give smart recommendations. In the beta, this is also the part that you have the option to participate in or not.
Caption:- Norton UAC's optional participate in
Well this is the noble approach that Norton UAC wishes to take. The beta phase with participation will help to build a better understanding of UAC and hopefully us users will get something much better than what Microsoft themselves have offered, that is if it comes without strings attached.
If you feel the need to read more check out their FAQ.
You can download the app here
http://www.nortonlabs.com/inthelab/uac.php
Send them your valuable feedback at their forum here
http://community.norton.com/norton/board?board.id=uact
USER COMMENTS
"Once I did check the "Don't ask me again" box, the popup did not reappear" - isnt this equivalent to turning off UAC for just that application/action? So basically, that particualr action/application will not be monitored right? So how is is it helpful? Its less irritatiing allright, but at the cost of security..
by Adarsh, Mumbai, on Oct 20, 2008 11:08 AM, Report abuse Reply
I'm not sure if it qualifies, but comodo firewall has pretty much these features, with the remember option. It also states whether the application is signed or not. Plus its free. Of course it isnt integrated with windows vista UAC. But do let me know about your thoughts on this.
by Ravi, Mumbai, on Oct 19, 2008 12:45 PM, Report abuse Reply
I am still in the middle of the article... But had a couple of laughs already with the authors beginning. Defending Nortan and windows keeping in mind their reputation is indeed a tough job... :-) ... U have all my sympathies... :-) ....
by Anant Bhushan, Bangalore, on Oct 19, 2008 12:19 PM, Report abuse Reply
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Yes, I agree with ravi, Comodo firewall has much more grinder approach on this kind of administrative level task. And it comes free.
by neo, pune, on Oct 20, 2008 03:41 PM, Report abuse Reply