I'm interested in downloading WinRar or Universal Extract, but get that "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC"?, which is making me hesitate! Exactly WHAT changes to my computer will this download make??
Not a real tech-savvy guy so any guidance is appreciated! Thanx!!
I guess you're referring to the UAC prompt when you try to install the program.
Usually a program installer needs to make changes to the registry- to record where it's installed, where its working space is, when it was installed- all manner of possible information. To write to the registry requires appropriate privileges, and that's what triggers the prompt.
UAC is, as is explained in the thread you quote above, a protection mechanism that has been in Windows for some years. It gives you a chance to approve - or reject- this program running- so if something harmful and unexpected ran, you could stop it. It's a protection mechanism.
Whenever you install a program some changes will be made. Folders will be created perhaps in several places, and files written to disk. The program's installer adds information to the registry which is read and updated in some cases when it runs.
This is a normal and necessary part of day-to-day Windows operation.
It's possible to turn UAC off or reduce the level of protection, but turning it off completely can prevent some universal apps running.
Note: 'portable' programs will not give rise to such a prompt.
They do not write information to the registry as they are not installed. However this will mean they don't 'remember' information from when run previously in the same way as installed programs. Because they are not installed and don't need the same privileges, they don't give rise to a UAC prompt.
E.g.
7-Zip Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB, portable and cloud drives
- Such programs can be put on a flash drive, carried around, plugged into any compatible PC, and run.
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