1.1. Types of Accounts.
· Administrator Account. Manages computer.
· System Account. Used by application.
· Guest account. Exists for purpose of letting a user logon to check email or if they need very little access to resources.
· Local. Access to one machine
· Domain. Exists in Active Directory.
1.2. User Profiles.
When a user logs on to the computer, it sets up a profile for them. The computer assigns rights and permissions to resources.
· My Documents folder
· Shortcut
· Registry
· Cookies
· Favorites
Rights give you access and are assigned based on group membership. Permissions give you resources and are assigned through groups.
WINXP has four different accounts:
1. Computer Administrator
2. Limited
3. Guest. Like a Limited Account, but, you can not assign a password.
4. Unknown. Accounts that were carried over from another OS and Windows does not know where to put them.
You can create accounts in User Profiles in Control Panel. However, the best way to create accounts is in Computer Management. Then, you can see all of the accounts and groups. Right click My Computer/manage/expand Local Users and Groups.
To create a new user, right click Users. Double click on the user to see the user properties and what group he is a member of. The network administrator could set the profile path to set the particular computer settings for this user.
1.3 Resetting Passwords.
Reset passwords by going back into Local Users and Groups. Right click the user and click Set Password. If you change the password, the user might not be able to gain access to resources. For example, if the password was encrypted. The password might be needed for certain resources. This is usually the case on domain accounts.
WINXP allows you to backup the password on external media.
1.4. Fast User Switching
Fast User Switching can be used if you are not a member of a domain.
Go to Control Panel/User Accounts/select Change the way Users log on or off/Click Use the Welcome Screen and User Fast User Switching. Note: You must use the Welcome Screen.
1.5. User Configuration
You can copy a user profile, if you have a user that needs a similar profile.
Right click My Computer/Properties/Advanced/User Profiles – Settings
If you are the Administrator, you should change your account name to something else.
Highlight the profile you want, click COPY TO.
Copy to a Profiles folder you create. Enter who is permitted to use this, the computer and user. Click ok.
* If you need to troubleshoot a profile in a hurry, and the profile has similar rights as the other user, the easiest way to troubleshoot problem, is to copy the profile of someone’s profile who is working.
1.6. Start Menu, Taskbar, Desktop
These options are used for customizing the desktop. They are not likely to effect user productivity. They just make them feel more comfortable.
Right click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, click Properties.
· You can Lock or Unlock the taskbar.
· You can auto-hide the taskbar. This is good if the user has a small monitor.
· Keep the taskbar on top of other windows. This is a default setting.
· Group similar taskbar buttons. This gives you one representation with a little number to indicate how many are open.
· Show Quick Launch. The tiny icons on the bottom of the taskbar on the left hand side. You can add additional quick launch icons by resizing the taskbar and pulling the taskbar when the mouse becomes a two-headed arrow in the quick launch area.
· Show the clock. You can extend the taskbar by unlocking it and using your mouse to make it bigger, then it will show the day and the date.
· Hide inactive icons. If you click on customize, you can choose what you want to do with that particular icon.
The Start menu
You can choose between the regular and the Classic start menu.
· The regular start menu has your most recent documents open to make it easier for the user.
· Classic Start menu is more like Windows 98 or Windows 2000.
· If you click on Customize you can choose whether you want large icons or small icons in the start menu.
· You can choose how many programs you want to show on the start menu.
Desktop configuration is done by right clicking the desktop, click on properties, and you have all the different display properties.
· Themes
· Desktop lets you customize the desktop by letting you select what icons you want to display. Recycle bin always displays.
· Screensaver keeps you from having burnout on the monitor. Flat panel display monitors don’t have that problem. You can indicate whether or not you want the user to enter a password to resume from screensaver.
· Appearance lets you make minor settings as far as what the user sees, text size, color scheme, effects. Clear type is good for flat panel displays.
· Settings have to do with the display properties. Advanced settings let you set based on the video card you have.
1.7. Folder Views
If folder views are improperly configured, it can keep the user from finding their file or folder.
My Computer/Tools/Folder Options/View/Advanced settings
For some users you need to be able to see hidden files and folders, see file extensions, and unhide protected operating system files. Uncheck or check these appropriately. Click Apply.
1.8. Accessibility Options
Start/Control Panel/Accessibility Options
Keyboard.
· Sticky Keys. Allow you to use the computer by being able to save keystrokes if the user has a disability. For example, ctrl, alt, delete, can be customized for one key stroke. Go to Settings to set up shortcuts to allow the user to use the sticky keys. They can hold down the ctrl key, or the alt or delete key.
· FilterKeys ignores a brief or repeated keystroke. You can change the settings for the repeat delay.
· Toggle keys allow you to hear tones when the caps lock, scroll lock, or num lock key is pressed. Settings will allow you to user a shortcut to toggle.
Sound.
· SoundSentry shows the person the sounds made on a computer. You can set that to flash for the Active window, the Active Desktop, or the Active Taskbar.
· ShowSounds can only be used if the programs have the capability by showing a little balloon.
Display.
· High Contrast used for a person having a hard time seeing.
· Curser Options have blink rate and width options.
Mouse.
· Allows the user to use the arrow keys on the numeric keyboard to move the mouse pointer.
General.
· Controls all of these different settings. How long the accessibility options are on, when they turn on, whether they make a sound when they turn on
· Serial keys allow alternative access to the keyboard and mouse features. There are additional devices that can by used for the computer by handicapped individuals.
· Administrative options are how you apply the settings, to the current desktop logon, and/or to all new users.
Accessibility features are tools built into the operating system.
Start/All programs/accessories/accessibility options.
Access the Wizard. Click on next. The wizard will ask you about text size, font size, Microsoft magnifier, disable personalized menus (maybe the font is too small).
Click next. Select the statements that apply to the particular user, whether they are blind or deaf. The system will set these special settings so the user will not have to set them.
Magnifier magnifies part of the screen as the mouse moves.
Narrator allows you to set the system so that the system speaks to you. You set the speed, the volume, the sound. Narrator is a great tool for proof reading documents.
1.9 Multilingual Configuration
Windows XP is available in 24 different languages.
Three different versions of Windows XP:
· English version
· Localized version
· Multi-Language user interface version.
Regional and Language Options allow you to set the computer for different languages.
Start/Control Panel/Regional and Language Options
Regional Options
When you set the specific language, it converts to the format of that particular region.
· Number
· Currency
· Time
· Short date
· Long date
If what you want is not in the list or regional options, you can Customize Regional Options.
Languages
You can add additional languages to the OS. You have to make sure the users have the correct keyboard or keyboard overlay. If the user is having a problem with weird characters showing up on their keyboard, you can check to see if it is set correctly.
Advanced
Lets you set non-Unicode programs. For example, if the program says you need to enable a certain code conversion table, you have to go here to enable it. Most of the time you won’t have to set it because the program already has it set.
1.6. Start Menu, Taskbar, Desktop
These options are used for customizing the desktop. They are not likely to effect user productivity. They just make them feel more comfortable.
Right click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, click Properties.
· You can Lock or Unlock the taskbar.
· You can auto-hide the taskbar. This is good if the user has a small monitor.
· Keep the taskbar on top of other windows. This is a default setting.
· Group similar taskbar buttons. This gives you one representation with a little number to indicate how many are open.
· Show Quick Launch. The tiny icons on the bottom of the taskbar on the left hand side. You can add additional quick launch icons by resizing the taskbar and pulling the taskbar when the mouse becomes a two-headed arrow in the quick launch area.
· Show the clock. You can extend the taskbar by unlocking it and using your mouse to make it bigger, then it will show the day and the date.
· Hide inactive icons. If you click on customize, you can choose what you want to do with that particular icon.
The Start menu
You can choose between the regular and the Classic start menu.
· The regular start menu has your most recent documents open to make it easier for the user.
· Classic Start menu is more like Windows 98 or Windows 2000.
· If you click on Customize you can choose whether you want large icons or small icons in the start menu.
· You can choose how many programs you want to show on the start menu.
Desktop configuration is done by right clicking the desktop, click on properties, and you have all the different display properties.
· Themes
· Desktop lets you customize the desktop by letting you select what icons you want to display. Recycle bin always displays.
· Screensaver keeps you from having burnout on the monitor. Flat panel display monitors don’t have that problem. You can indicate whether or not you want the user to enter a password to resume from screensaver.
· Appearance lets you make minor settings as far as what the user sees, text size, color scheme, effects. Clear type is good for flat panel displays.
· Settings have to do with the display properties. Advanced settings let you set based on the video card you have.
1.7. Folder Views
If folder views are improperly configured, it can keep the user from finding their file or folder.
My Computer/Tools/Folder Options/View/Advanced settings
For some users you need to be able to see hidden files and folders, see file extensions, and unhide protected operating system files. Uncheck or check these appropriately. Click Apply.
1.8. Accessibility Options
Start/Control Panel/Accessibility Options
Keyboard.
· Sticky Keys. Allow you to use the computer by being able to save keystrokes if the user has a disability. For example, ctrl, alt, delete, can be customized for one key stroke. Go to Settings to set up shortcuts to allow the user to use the sticky keys. They can hold down the ctrl key, or the alt or delete key.
· FilterKeys ignores a brief or repeated keystroke. You can change the settings for the repeat delay.
· Toggle keys allow you to hear tones when the caps lock, scroll lock, or num lock key is pressed. Settings will allow you to user a shortcut to toggle.
Sound.
· SoundSentry shows the person the sounds made on a computer. You can set that to flash for the Active window, the Active Desktop, or the Active Taskbar.
· ShowSounds can only be used if the programs have the capability by showing a little balloon.
Display.
· High Contrast used for a person having a hard time seeing.
· Curser Options have blink rate and width options.
Mouse.
· Allows the user to use the arrow keys on the numeric keyboard to move the mouse pointer.
General.
· Controls all of these different settings. How long the accessibility options are on, when they turn on, whether they make a sound when they turn on
· Serial keys allow alternative access to the keyboard and mouse features. There are additional devices that can by used for the computer by handicapped individuals.
· Administrative options are how you apply the settings, to the current desktop logon, and/or to all new users.
Accessibility features are tools built into the operating system.
Start/All programs/accessories/accessibility options.
Access the Wizard. Click on next. The wizard will ask you about text size, font size, Microsoft magnifier, disable personalized menus (maybe the font is too small).
Click next. Select the statements that apply to the particular user, whether they are blind or deaf. The system will set these special settings so the user will not have to set them.
Magnifier magnifies part of the screen as the mouse moves.
Narrator allows you to set the system so that the system speaks to you. You set the speed, the volume, the sound. Narrator is a great tool for proof reading documents.
1.9 Multilingual Configuration
Windows XP is available in 24 different languages.
Three different versions of Windows XP:
· English version
· Localized version
· Multi-Language user interface version.
Regional and Language Options allow you to set the computer for different languages.
Start/Control Panel/Regional and Language Options
Regional Options
When you set the specific language, it converts to the format of that particular region.
· Number
· Currency
· Time
· Short date
· Long date
If what you want is not in the list or regional options, you can Customize Regional Options.
Languages
You can add additional languages to the OS. You have to make sure the users have the correct keyboard or keyboard overlay. If the user is having a problem with weird characters showing up on their keyboard, you can check to see if it is set correctly.
Advanced
Lets you set non-Unicode programs. For example, if the program says you need to enable a certain code conversion table, you have to go here to enable it. Most of the time you won’t have to set it because the program already has it set.
