Default Filesystem Permission Question

Maybe it is just me but in the default filesystem security for a Vista
installation, why would a regular user be allowed to create folders in the
root of the C: directory? It seems to me that regular users shouldn't be able
to create folders or files outside of their profile unless given explicit
permission by the administrator.

Can anyone explain this to me? Also, is there a reference somewhere on what
the default filesystem permissions are of a Vista installation?

> Maybe it is just me but in the default filesystem security for a Vista
> installation, why would a regular user be allowed to create folders in the
> root of the C: directory? It seems to me that regular users shouldn't be able
> to create folders or files outside of their profile unless given explicit
> permission by the administrator.

The rationale is that many users like to pollute their %systemdrive%
directory with data instead of putting it where it is more manageable.
Prohibiting that would lead to loud screaming, teeth gnashing, and general
unhappiness of a kind unjustified by the facts of the case but still leading
to articles about "monopolies," "tyrannical operating systems," and "my Mac
not only makes me cooler and better dressed, but it doesn't try to dictate
how I use my computer."

> Can anyone explain this to me? Also, is there a reference somewhere on what
> the default filesystem permissions are of a Vista installation?

I'm not aware of a place where Microsoft documented these permissions, but
they are documented in third-party sources. I spent some time on it in
Windows Vista Security:
http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyT...470101555.html.

That is kind of a funny answer since regular users in Mac OS X can't create
files or folders in the system root (I am actually moving back to Windows
Vista from Mac OS X, so I know).

I'll check out the book. I have a part time gig at B&N that gets me a
discount on books, so I can get a nice discount on it.



"Jesper" wrote:

> The rationale is that many users like to pollute their %systemdrive%
> directory with data instead of putting it where it is more manageable.
> Prohibiting that would lead to loud screaming, teeth gnashing, and general
> unhappiness of a kind unjustified by the facts of the case but still leading
> to articles about "monopolies," "tyrannical operating systems," and "my Mac
> not only makes me cooler and better dressed, but it doesn't try to dictate
> how I use my computer."

> That is kind of a funny answer since regular users in Mac OS X can't create
> files or folders in the system root (I am actually moving back to Windows
> Vista from Mac OS X, so I know).

What the Mac can and cannot do seems to have never entered into the
consideration for what they put in their ads.

In message <AF9A2B60-8D09-463B-A0DC-40A4632265D2@microsoft.com> Jesper
<Jesper@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>> That is kind of a funny answer since regular users in Mac OS X can't create
>> files or folders in the system root (I am actually moving back to Windows
>> Vista from Mac OS X, so I know).
>
>What the Mac can and cannot do seems to have never entered into the
>consideration for what they put in their ads.

I was playing around with my new-to-me iBook a couple nights ago, and I
got a prompt for the administrator password while trying to change some
options. I must have missed the secret service agent behind the Mac guy
in the commercial.

My personal favourite:

Mac: I'm a Mac
PC: And I'm a PC
Mac: I'm all about graphics, playing around, having fun.
Mac: Oh hey, what's that?
PC: A game.
Mac: Can I play too?
PC: No.

Apple doesn't seem to be running that one though, for some reason.

I'm also a fan of the first one I ever saw, the PC was bandaged up after
someone tripped over the power cord and the computer went flying -- I
was really looking forward to not having to worry about that on my Mac
(I've lost an older Compaq laptop to that very fate) -- Alas, my iBook
uses a very similar power connector, although it happens to be the same
size/shape as an RCA plug.

I do wonder what would happen if I were to plug that connector into my
speakers...

*shrugs*

But I'm biased, I was a John Hodgeman fan before those commercials
started, plus I'm a PC fan to begin with.
--
Insert something clever here.