I started Ubuntu today after a couple of weeks of using Windows (bear with me) and needed to install some updates. I started the utility and was prompted for my password. I've been doing this in Linux for ages, so why is User Account Control such a pain in Windows Vista? After all that isn't even a password, just click the Allow button.

Perhaps it's a question of expectations. The Ubuntu method is a vast improvement over previous Linux ideas, sometimes there was no alternative but to log out and then back in again as the administrator. Windows has never really questioned the user in this way, especially not if they are running as an admin.

Performance is another element, certainly on my memory limited notebook. UAC seems to take ages to appear, often I've got on with something else. As the window only appears for a limited period of time, it's not unknown for me to miss it altogether.

Maybe people don't like being questioned by their computer. UAC also has shades of Sergeant Wilson from Dad's Army asking 'Do you really think that's wise, sir?'. In my experiences, the times I've most got frustrated by being asked for confirmation are when I've most needed them.