Windows Xp Limited Account Question.?

Question

I have just created a limited account on my laptop and I was wondering if someone could tell me how to prevent the other users from accesing certain features like changing the desktop background and installing things, changing the time and that sort of stuff. Can someone tell me how to do this? Or if there is a certain program that will allow me to do this. Also I was wondering if someone can tell me wether creating new accounts on my laptop and then deleting them will slow down my laptop. ------------------Can anyone help?

Answer 1

There are programs to do this.

For example:

Go to this link:

http://www.pchomesoft.com/ptool/index.html

Answer 2

Ideally one should use the WinXP Limited Account for everyday use, I agree. But from experience the Limited Account just doesn't cut it for me. On my everyday computer use I run a lot of different applications for work and they just don't behave right when under a Limited Account. I think the Limited Account was poorly implemented by Microsoft as it never allows you to escalate to a higher level when certain tasks needs to be completed. I also use Ubuntu on a daily basis and I think the Linux implementation of privilege escalation is much better. When using Ubuntu, if I need to change administrative settings, or install a software, etc... I can just type in the root password and do all these tasks, without having to be logged on as root. What I do with Windows XP, and also my recommendation to whoever needs to use an Administrator Account, is to always have a good and up to date anti-virus, firewall software and anti-adware/spyware. And of course, always use good judgment. Unless you are expecting the file, never run any files you receive as e-mail attachments, even if you know the person sending it. Be careful with suspicious sites, be careful with what you download. You know, just use good sense.

Answer 3

It won't slow down your computer that much at all, unless you are creating like 30 or 40 of them. :)



If you are concerned that the limited account will effect your admin account, as far as the wallpaper goes, that will not happen. Most windows-based changes made in one account will not effect another.



A limited account does not have the ability to add or remove programs - at all. That's my experience from work, we had to get a whole new computer for this one guy Chuck because the former computer admin wouldn't release the passwords he created. (He needed a new one anyway.)



A limited account cannot access most of the higher, more important windows options (including defragmenting) except for some display changes.



A limited account can see all of the files on the computer an admin can, but one account cannot see the files of anothers account if the files are in the MY DOCUMENTS area for that user. (Which kinda stinks because we cannot fileshare each others my documents areas at work through the lan.)



Hope this was helpful! :)

Answer 4

Limited Accounts should not have the ability to install applications. Actually they should have very little access to the PC...they would be able to run already installed applications (and some applications even require a first time run by an Admin before they work with Limited accounts). If whomever is using the new accounts (limited or admin) leaves themselves logged in and you only "switch" users that will slow your PC down...but adding users or deleting users should not pose a problem when it comes to speed.

Answer 5

ok by defualt a limited account cant alter the time (because that is system wide), cannot install/uninstall things, and cannot access system or program files. They can change their own login background though. they cannot create new accounts either.



no it will not slow down ur lap to as log as u dont have too many accounts, but making them and deleting them should not affect the speed. but make sure u defrag after creating/removing a user. (right click C: drive in my computer, properties, 2nd tab)

Answer 6

Windows XP have a builtin LocalSecurityPolicy. Go to control panel --> Administrative Tools --> local securty policy --> user rights assignment.

Answer 7

hwne you create a limited account by default it usuall does not allow the account to put in any changes to the computer.. especailly deleting of files

Answer 8

creating new accounts and then deleting them is probably bad for your computer. My computer admin at school does that, Just a warning though, if someone smart and good with comps gets on there, they can easily take it all off.

Answer 9

It can be done manually but it isn't easy... Maybe this will help you:

http://www.softfolder.com/advanced_security_level.html