StripMyRights

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET Staff on February 27, 2009

Freeware tool StripMyRights can protect you from online attacks by limiting user rights to programs like Internet Explorer and Outlook, but installation requires an experienced user. The program doesn't follow traditional installation methods. The three files that come in the zipped file each invoke some aspect of StripMyRights. One involves modifying shortcuts, the other points the registry to StripMyRight's files, while the third replaces IE and Outlook programs with select executables supplied by StripMyRights.

The simple premise behind StripMyRights is to protect those with administrator rights by reducing such rights when surfing the Internet or sending e-mail through Outlook. This protects your computer by blocking malicious programs that try to infiltrate your system.

You can easily designate the level of user rights, but each setting is a trade-off. The strictest settings block users from many expected functions, including installing programs. As the publisher notes, some modes impact tester's abilities to use tools like the Run command, but the program effectively limits rights when using Outlook and IE.

Even with the usage instructions for all three modules, this freeware tool is only for savvy users comfortable working with the registry. If you prefer to work as the administrator, StripMyRights gives you some options to help protect your computer.