Mastering Windows - User Accounts

Most Windows users are familiar with the adjoining screen. Windows XP provides very easy ways of administering "User Accounts".



Office users usually find this system adequate, as it allows administrators to install software and change system settings and non-Administrators to do pretty much everything else.

Home users however are not so happy with it; you generally want to allow your mom and dad to install software, but not let them do stupid things to your system.
Well, Windows XP does provide for this option, though you want find it in their online help anywhere!

Go to the Run Box (Start > Run) and type "control userpasswords2". You will get a dialog box that looks like this :

Double-click the name of the user whose privileges you want to change. In the "Group Membership" tab, select your choice. The choices are :

1. Administrators : Change system settings, install software, view non-private documents, create accounts.


2. Power Users : Install software, cannot change system settings or view Administrator's documents.
3. Users : Cannot install software or change system settings. Can change personal settings only.
4. Guests : Can only use computer as a guest, cannot change settings or install software.

So next time your mom asks why she cant install her favourite recipe book, you have an answer ready!