Windows User Accounts in Windows XP/ Vista
By
Scott Sekinger
A user account defines the kinds of things that a user can do to the system. There are two kinds of user
accounts in Windows XP / Vista. Each type of account is describe below. This article is attend for Home
Users.
Account Type Things Each User Can Do
Administrator • Can create and delete user accounts on the
computer.
• Can create account passwords for other user
accounts on the computer.
• Can change other people's account names,
pictures, passwords, and account types.
• Cannot change his or her own account type to
a limited account type unless there is at least
one other user with a computer administrator
account type on the computer. This ensures
that there is always at least one user with a
computer administrator account on the
computer.
Limited User In XP Can only use the computer to do everyday task A
Standard User in Vista Limited / Standard User can not do any of the
following:
• Cannot install software or hardware, but can
access programs that have already been
installed on the computer.
• Can change his or her account picture and can
also create, change, or delete his or her
password.
• Cannot change his or her account name or
account type. A user with a computer
administrator account must make these kinds
of changes.
When using a computer you should have an Administrator account that you to make changes to the
system, and a Limited /Standard User account that you use on a daily bases. This will cut down on the
damage bad programs or users can do to the system. I would suggest setting another Administrator
account that only gets used in case the first administrator accounts gets messed up.
Checkout A Windows XP Accounts Overview for more information on how to manage user accounts in
Windows XP.
Checkout Getting the Most Out of Windows Vista User Accounts and User Account Control Overview for
more on how to manage user accounts in Vista.