User accounts in Snow Leopard operating system


Snow Leopard operating system is a multi-user operating system, which means that it is designed to be used on a computer that has one or more users. Although a multi-user operating system is not new to Snow Leopard operating system, it is one of the key features of OS X, making it ideal for use in a family, small group, or large group environment.

In the good old days of computing, operating systems were not designed with multiple users in mind, which created some problems when multiple people used the same computer. This is because not all people use a computer in the same way. For example, maybe one person likes to view files in column view while another likes to view files in icon view. Without a multi-user operating system, there is a constant struggle back and forth because you have to change the computer environment to suit your needs each time you work on the computer. This is where a multi-user operating system really shines. Each person on the computer is given their own account, which allows them to customize their computing environment exactly the way they like to work. So when settings are changed, those settings only apply to their own personal account, leaving all other accounts untouched.

User accounts

Snow Leopard operating system makes the distinction between multiple users on a computer through user accounts. Each person using the computer needs to create an account, or have one created for them, in which to log on to the computer. Without an account, a person cannot gain access to the computer. This serves three purposes:

1. It protects the content of each user on the computer from unwanted access to their files.

2. It prevents legitimate users of the computer from accessing files of other users of the computer.

3. It allows each user to customize the appearance and settings of the computing environment.

There are fi ve different types of user accounts that can be created in Snow Leopard operating system:

Administrator

An Administrator account is the most powerful type of account that can be created in Snow Leopard. An Administrator has complete control over settings and confi guration on the computer. When you set up your computer for the fi rst time after unpacking your computer or after installing Snow Leopard operating system, an Administrator account is created. Every computer must have an Administrator account that provides access for setting up new accounts and other tasks related to the management of the computer. It is important to remember the password of the initial account that is set up on the computer, as it will be needed to add user accounts and make changes to the operating system in the future.

Standard

A Standard account is a little more limited than an Administrator account. This type of account is for a typical user who will be using software, copying files, checking e-mail, and accessing the Internet, but will not be in charge of making modifi cations to the computer and doing things such as adding user accounts and running software updates. Most accounts created for adults on a computer fall under this category.

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This article was sent to us by: Peter Raleigh at 09112010

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