Section 14. Change the Account Type


14. Change the Account Type

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Change the Account Picture

Password Protect a User Account


A computer administrator account can change the type of account assigned to other accounts on the system. For example, a computer administrator account can be changed to a limited account or vice versa. Because any computer administrator account can change the account type for all other accounts, computer administrator accounts are not protected, meaning that one administrator can demote another administrator to a limited account.

Note

It really makes sense and is definitely a best practice (I think you would agree) to have just one computer administrator account on a computer. All the other accounts can then be limited. Allow multiple computer administrator accounts only in an environment where you are sure that the various administrator users aren't going to mess around with the other users' settings, particularly the account type.


Change the Account Type


Select a User Account

In the User Accounts window (select User Accounts in the Control Panel to display this window), select the user account for which you want to modify the account type.

Note

When you are changing the settings for your own user account, the tasks associated with the account are labeled Change my name, Change my picture, and so on. When you are changing the settings for another account (which only a computer administrator can do), the tasks are listed as Change the name, Change the picture, and so on.


Select Change the Account Type

In the account's task window, select the Change the account type task. The account type screen opens.

Choose an Account Type

Select the new account type for the account (if the account is currently Computer administrator, the only option is Limited and vice versa).

Set the Account Type

After selecting the account type, click the Change Account Type button to confirm the account type change.

Note

Windows XP Home is really designed for there to be one administrative account on the computer with all additional accounts existing as Limited accounts. This recommendation exists because administrative accounts can change the account type for any existing account, including other administrative accounts. For example, one administrator could demote another administrator to a Limited account. So, consider the whole account structure for any computer that is shared by multiple users. If one administrative account demotes another administrative account to a Limited account, there are no repercussions on the system other than that the former administrator can no longer change other users' account settings or change administrative settings on the computer.




Home Wireless Networking in a Snap
Home Wireless Networking in a Snap
ISBN: 0672327023
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2007
Pages: 158
Authors: Joe Habraken

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