Multiple accounts ...

[DD]

I am considering adding an account to my computer for my wife. I know
how to do it but I'm not sure what the effect is, do I have to install
separate programs for her or do I have to make another "profile" so that
anything she saves or configures is kept separate?
There seems to be plenty of information on the web about how to create
accounts but little that describes how multiple accounts work in
practice! A quick explanation, or a URL pointing to the information I
need, would be appreciated.

DD

 

[Gary M]

Each account gets their own user folders in which they save their documents
etc.
Just give it a try, you can always delete the account later and remove all
trace that it ever existed.
If you have the Business or Ultimate versions of Vista, you can deactivate
an account instead of deleting it, and reactivate it if desired.

There are two types of accounts, standard user and administrative user.
There is also a guest type account, but you probably wouldn't want to use
that type.

Some programs can be installed for only the present user, the one installing
the application. But typically programs are accessible for each user
including new ones added after the application has been installed.

I sometimes create several accounts for myself so I can have a less
cluttered workspace. Each account is for a specific task or tasks that I am
working on or subject that I am studying. One of my accounts is used for
watching TV, with a password I can punch in with my remote that only has
numbers on the pad so I don't have to go to the keyboard to access, or for
others in the household so they can watch a recorded show.