#windows admin

The subject is only half true. The solution presented below allows a normal user account to start Steam as an admin. This lets the non-privileged user account escalate to admin to run Steam.

Why not run Steam as a normal user? It’s not supported by Valve. Some games will run but some just die because Steam’s installer service can’t configure dependencies. Not all software places nicely.

Why would you ever want to do this? You attempt to lock down the computer from casual users.

Hold up, isn’t this a security issue then? Yes, if you add a custom game to Steam you could run whatever “game” software you like as the admin account. It’s not perfect, but it will keep casual users from inadvertently destroying our semi-public machines unless they really try (log it and ban it!).

Well then why not everyone run as admin? I suppose I could. I realize this isn’t security but it’s logged, our users are generally not malicious, our machines get wiped almost monthly anyway and it enables the flexibility to install games as needed without bugging me the admin.

Can’t they just replace Steam.exe and run whatever they want? Sure they could. If you lock down the Steam.exe file to read only though then the updater fails. Then users email me upset.

So wait, you lock down your machines, but allow this? Yes, we have temp user profiles so it’s not a huge concern. The system can be compromised but we wipe them and restore from a known good image at regular intervals. This is not a great solution but I’ve not found any others that work.

Still not happy with my answers? I can’t help you, this is what we did.

Compensation: $80K - $100K / Year Minimum Education: Bachelors Job Type: Full Time Jobcode: FNRJA1 The Microsoft Administrator / Engineer will be responsible for: * Planning, designing, deploying, and maintaining, Windows Server / Active Directory (AD) systems across the enterprise. * Monitoring, alerting, and providing statistical reports to upper management on the health and operational status of all Windows infrastructure. * Providing technical support and guidance to coworkers (data center personnel), Stations IT Managers, Station Broadcast Engineering personnel, and end users as required by project plan or general support charter. * Diagnose, and perform remedial actions within area of Subject Matter Expertise. * Aid in capacity planning and performance monitoring to ensure that Windows based applications are meeting the needs of the business. * Assist with various data management activities like system backups, restores, exports and imports, archiving, distributed files systems and SAN administration. * Assisting TV Station IT personnel with complex Desktop Support issues. * Assisting with the preparation of annual IT budgets. * Required to work after hours and ONCALL when required. The responsibilities are for a 7x24 IT operation. Plus Routine Operational Duties Requirements: * Extensive experience with Windows Server and Windows Client platforms * Advanced Active Directory experience is required such as group rights, file rights management, GPOs, and Software deployment via AD * Experience installing, upgrading and maintaining Active Directory * Strong systems administration/engineering skills in a large heterogeneous environment. * Experience in Windows Clustering * .Understanding of Microsoft IAS integration * Experience trouble shooting and assisting end-users with issues (Helpdesk) * Strong Exchange implementation, migration or upgrade experience desired. * Windows Terminal Server required * WSUS required * Posses practical experience with MS SharePoint * Additional experience with security software, Veritas Net Backup, MS SQL Server, Citrix and Blackberry Enterprise Server is a plus. * Experience with virtualization is highly desired. * Certifications such as MCSE, MCP, are required * Quest NetPro a Plus * Must have strong system performance reports and statistical information skills * Experience monitoring and overall health of directory replication * Able to support multiple, geographically dispersed locations. * Work closely with Operations and Network Engineering to test and install network equipment, services, and monitoring agents. * Monitor system capacity utilization Core Competencies/Skills: * In depth knowledge of Active directory * In depth Knowledge of GPO and administrative functions * Proficient Windows Server 2003 and 2010 operating systems * Proficient in Windows XP and Windows 7. * Windows Power Shell * Proficient in basic network troubleshooting * VERITAS NetBack Enterprise or similar Enterprise backup software * Knowledge of IP network routing principles * Knowledge of data communications network principles * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong analytical skills. Must be able to logically isolate and resolve technical problem * Strong problem solving skills. Must be able to take an engineering approach to resolving issues. Email resume in Word to [email protected]. Please include the job code for the position with your resume. NO RELOCATION. NO VISA TRANSFERS. NO OVERSEAS RESUMES. NO 3RD PARTIES. To receive a complimentary subscription to my job search ezine, No B.S. Job Search Advice, go to www.JeffAltman.com to subscribe. Receive tweets from Twitter with job search tips and job listings – TheBigGameHuntr