In Windows, there are a number of options for different user account options for different users. The type of account you assign to your employees, yourself, or anyone who will be using your computer is dependant upon what you want them to be able to do, or to not do, on the computer.
Administrator user accounts allow users full access to the computer. There are no restrictions — they can download and delete as much as they want, including software, hardware, and other applications. An administrator account, however, makes the user and the computer more susceptible to harmful computer attacks from the outside.
A limited user account, on the other hand, restricts what users can and can not do on the computer. Users who are operating the computer on a limited user account can still perform all of the functions and access programs that are necessary for work or daily duties.
What can I not do with a limited user account?
With a limited user account, users cannot install software or hardware. New software and hardware programs must be installed by an administrator on a limited user’s account. Users with a limited user account on Windows are also unable to change the name on the account, nor can they change the account type to anything other than their current limited user account status. Users also are unable to download specific Internet applications. This helps to increase security.
What can I do with a limited user account?
There are still many things you can do with a limited user account. In fact, most people don’t need full administration access. Users with a limited user account can still use programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; access the Internet and send and receive emails; run music and photo editing programs; and change passwords and user pictures, to name a few.
What are the benefits of a limited user account?
The main benefits of a limited user account are security. The inability to access particular programs, download software or hardware, download specific Internet applications, or delete programs accidentally from the computer all serve to increase security while online or on the computer itself.
How do I set up a limited user account?
Limited user accounts are simple to set up. You can set up as many limited user accounts as you need to for your employees, yourself, or anyone who will be using your computer or network. To set up a limited user account, follow these steps. Keep in mind that you must be an administrator or have administrator rights in order to set up limited user accounts.
1. In Windows, click Start, and then select the Control Panel option.
2. Click on User Accounts. A number of selections will come up. Select Pick a Task, then Create a new account.
3. The Action menu will come up. Select New User.
4. Type in the user’s name, then click Next.
5. Under Pick an account type, select Limited User, and then click Create account.
6. Your user will be able to select his or her own password and pictures.
Few people will need a full administrator’s account. For this reason, limited access accounts are a good solution for anyone who uses a computer, either at work or at home. They are easy to set up and provide a good deal of added security.
