I know this isn't strictly a linux question but maybe someone will be able to help with a query.
When using os x on the mac it automatically logs you in with administrator privilages. Now, I know on linux this is a big security no-no so why does os x do it?
Is it the same kettle of fish or are other security precautions taken with os x?
Hope someone can shed some light.

Thanks

IIRC, you have admin priviledges but you don't automatically have access to everything. To do certain things (at least on the command line), you have to sudo. It'll prompt you for your password (note - YOUR password. Even if root is enabled, sudo goes for the non-root admin's password) and then execute the command.

It's probably not quite as safe from a trash-your-system standpoint as the traditional Unix/Linux separation of powers, but at least you've got to consciously assume the SU identity to do some of the more critical things.

flip-top

The default user setup is not the same as root. If it were you wouldn't have to authenticate to install software or edit the hosts file or whatever.