Differences between different user types in Windows XP

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Differences between different user types in Windows XP


There are three types of users in Windows XP. They are
Administrator
Limited user
Guest
Administrator has the complete rights in the computer. The administrator can perform any action and has full control of the computer. The 'limited user' has limited rights. For instance a 'limited user' cannot install new hardware or software to the computer but he can use the existing software and hardware.

Both Administrator and limited users have passwords of their own. There is another type of user called 'Guest' who doesn't need a password to login to the computer. As the name suggests, a guest is a guest and has very limited control over the computer. By default, windows XP disables this type of user as it allows anyone to login to the computer. However, the Administrator can enable this type of user if there is a need.

Which Windows XP user account to use?

It is best to use the 'Administrator' user account since it has the complete control. However there are many security threats. Whoever knows the administrator password for  your computer can easily harm your computer. When you are connected to the internet, hackers and crackers may also harm your computer.

For the above cited reasons, it is better to use the 'limited user' type of account. Most computer engineers agree that even an administrator should create a limited user account for himself for daily use. Only when there is a need to perform administrative tasks such as installing a new hardware then the 'administrator' account should be used.

Permissions and limitations of a 'limited user'

Though the limited users can use the hardware and software installed in the computer they can perform certain tasks.

Some programs may not function properly if you are logged in as a limited user. For a list of programs that may not function properly for limited user accounts visit the page You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login /default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us ;307091 This page lists most of the programs that do not function properly if you are logged in as limited user. Additionally a limited user cannot create files on the root folder or the WINDOWS folder. If some programs requires the use of these folders then the limited user cannot use these programs.

It is also difficult for a limited user to edit the windows registry. Therefore if a program uses the windows registry then the limited user cannot run these programs too. For example if you are using Word 97 in a windows XP computer then the 'Spelling & grammer checking' feature of word 97 cannot be used in windows XP.

To read about the problems related to limited user account and Windows registry goto the following page You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login /default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us ;257643 .

Update of Anti-virus or firewall applications cannot be done by a limited user. Only an administrator can perform these tasks.

How can a limited user enter into an 'Administrator' account

Consider this scenario. You are the administrator of the computer and you also have a 'limited user' account. As a best practice you always use your limited user account to login daily. While you are logged in as the limited user and there is a need for you to perform an admin task such as installing a new software then how to switch to the 'Administrator' account.

You can logoff as the limited user and login using your Administrator account. But for this method you will have to abandon whatever you had been doing when you were logged in as the limited user
There is a way to switch to Administrator without logging off as limited user. Open your 'windows explorer'. choose any program icon and then right click on the icon, then select the 'Administrator' from the menu and type the password of the Administrator and you will get the administrator rights.
Or use the fast user switching feature in windows XP. Click on 'Switch user' and login as the administrator.