Microsoft's 'œUnwieldy And Clumsy' UAC fixed in Windows 7?

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Friday, 10 October 2008 10:48

Opinion and Analysis

Microsoft says it will achieve its UAC improvement aims by “focusing on two key principles”.

These are:

“1) Broaden the control you have over the UAC notifications. We will continue to give you control over the changes made to your system, but in Windows 7, we will also provide options such that when you use the system as an administrator you can determine the range of notifications that you receive.”

“2) Provide additional and more relevant information in the user interface. We will improve the dialog UI so that you can better understand and make more informed choices.”

And happily for UAC users, Microsoft says they’ve “already run new design concepts based on this principle through our in-house usability testing and we’ve seen very positive results.”

The results were that “83% of participants could provide specific details about why they were seeing the dialog. Participants preferred the new concepts because they are “simple”, “highlight verified publishers,” “provide the file origin,” and “ask a meaningful question.”

So... making UAC better is another promise Microsoft is making, and one which I fully expect them to keep.

Can’t wait for Apple’s ad poking fun at the new improved version sometime in 2009 or 2010 anyway!