Chapter 12. User Accounts

Introducing User Accounts
Setting Up Accounts
Setting Up the Logon Process

For years , teachers , parents , tech directors, and computer lab instructors struggled to answer a difficult question: how do you rig one PC so that several different people can use it throughout the day, without interfering with each others' files and settings? And how do you protect a PC from getting fouled up by mischievous (or bumbling) students and employees ?

Like the Windows 2000 under its skin, Windows XP is designed from the ground up to be a multiple-user operating system. On a Windows XP machine, anyone who uses the computer must log on click (or type) your name and type in a passwordwhen the computer turns on. And upon doing so, you discover the Windows universe just as you left it, including these elements:

Desktop . Each person sees a different set of shortcut icons, folder icons, and other stuff left out on the desktop.
Start menu . If you reorganize the Start menu, as described in Chapter 2, you won't confuse anybody else who uses the machine; no one else can even see the changes you make.
My Documents folder . Each person sees only her own stuff in the My Documents folder.
Email . Windows XP maintains a separate stash of email messages for each account holderalong with separate Web bookmarks, MSN Messenger contact list, and other online details.
Favorites folder . Any Web sites, folders, or other icons you've designated as Favorites appear in your Favorites menu, and nobody else's.
Internet cache . You can read about cached Web pages in Chapter 7; this folder stores a copy of the Web pages you've visited recently for faster retrieval.
History and cookies . Windows maintains a list of recently visited Web sites independently for each person; likewise a personal collection of cookies (Web site preference files).
Control Panel settings . Windows memorizes the preferences each person establishes using the Control Panel (see Chapter 10), including keyboard, sound, screen saver, and mouse settings.

Behind the scenes, Windows XP stores all of these files and settings in a single folder that techies call your user profile . It's in your My Computer Local Disk (C:) Documents and Settings [Your Name] folder.

This feature makes sharing the PC much more convenient , because you don't have to look at everybody else's files (and endure their desktop design schemes). It also adds a layer of security, making it less likely for a marauding 6-year-old to throw away your files.

If you're a solo operator, the only person who uses your PC, you can safely skip this chapter. You will be using one of these accounts, whether you realize it or notit's just that there won't be any additional accounts on your PC. You'll be able to use your PC just as you always have.

But when you've got some reading timeperhaps when you're stuck in line at the Department of Motor Vehiclesyou may want to skim the concepts presented here. Certain elements of this multiple-user operating system may intrude upon your Windows activitiesand the discussions in this bookfrom time to time.

Tip: Even if you don't share your PC with anyone and don't create any other accounts, you might still appreciate this feature because it effectively password-protects the entire computer from unauthorized fiddling when you're away from your desk (or when your laptop is stolen).