Summary

When two or more users share the same computer, it's often useful to establish separate login accounts. In Windows, each user's account can have a distinctive set of configuration settings, and private folders and files that are not accessible to other accounts. When one user is logged on, the Switch Users control can suspend that user's activities without the need to shut down all of his or her open programs.

In public settings like classrooms and Internet cafes, the free Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit can establish appropriate restrictions and security controls to maintain the privacy of each user and prevent damage from viruses and shareware. The Shared Computer Toolkit is also useful for setting parental controls over a child's use of the computer or access to the Internet.