Windows Account security?

I'll be honest, I'm not as familiar with W7 and Vista, I specialize in XP. But from what I understand, most viruses are able to bypass those. See, when you or I install something, we run an executable (exe) or batch file (bat) to begin the process. It's the running of that file and beginning the process that you have to have rights for. However, viruses don't use exe or bat files to begin the process. Normally they will embed themselves directly to the registry.

Think of it like a garage with a locked garage door. One must have access rights to open the door and place things in the garage. However a virus finds a defect or hole in one of the walls and places its things inside the garage without ever going through the door. Viruses also have the ability to create a SID of their own, and crate a virtual user (Windows does the same thing without you knowing, but it's safe when Windows does it).

A virus exploits known and unknown vulnerabilities in software applications and operating systems. Keeping your windows patches and antivirus software up to date limits your potential exposes to getting a virus, but it does not guarantee it.

When it comes down to it, Viruses are all about the intelligence of the person who developed it. Most developers take advantage of known problems with software and operating systems, very few actually take the time to find a problem that no one else knows about.

In short, limiting Administrative access, keeping your patches up to date by using Microsoft update (be sure to keep your Acrobat Reader up to date as weel), and keeping your antivirus up to date is a really good start. To bring your security to the next level, use a program like Windows Live Family Safety to limit access to dangerous websites.