The Bottom Line

The way Windows XP handles multiple users is great. It's easy to use, it's intuitive, and it isn't terribly intrusive. You can use passwords if you want to, or not. And your personal settings are always there waiting for you whenever you log on.

All you have to remember are the following key points:

• Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows XP's Fast User Switching lets you switch users without rebooting your PC.

• However, Fast User Switching uses a lot of system memory. Plan on having at least 256MB of RAM for basic use, and another 64MB for each additional user using Fast User Switching.

• There are three types of user accounts in Windows XP: computer administrator account, limited account, and guest account.

• Each user can choose his or her own password and user picture.

• To switch users without logging off, click the Start button, click the Log Off button, and then select Switch User. If you want to log off permanently, click the Start button, click the Log Off button, and then select Log Off.