User Accounts – Fast User Switching

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The two main user accounts are ‘administrator’ and ‘limited user’, whereas W2k had several choices. This appears to make user administration chores easier. Are there any security compromises here relative to W2k? Comments please.

Also, the function ‘Fast User Switching’ on non-domain PCs has a speed penalty when activated. Does anyone have a feel for this penalty? For instance, does the penalty depend upon the number and open functions of the multiple users running?

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Think of the “Limited User” as a Windows 2000 Power User. There are minor trifling changes here and there to just about all interface aspects, and there’s a hell of a lot more wizards – but essentially the security is the same.

As far as fast user switching, I believe it depends on the horsepower the computer running XP has. In a networked situation the lag is a little higher, but not by much. The forthcoming PowerToys for XP will have a new tool to make this go faster….called Faster User Switching. More information at Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows.

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Faster User Switcher
Category: Shell enhancement
Windows XP is the first OS to feature Microsoft’s new Fast User Switching technology, which allows multiple people to share the same computer and quickly switch between their personalized environments. With this Faster User Switcher, switching between users is even quicker, as it allows you to bypass the Welcome screen.

To use it, two or more users need to be logged in simultaneously. Then, just hold down the Windows Key and repeatedly hit Q to cycle through the list available users (Figure). When you see the user you want to switch to, release the keys and the system will switch users.

I like the idea behind this Toy, but they’ve mucked it up a bit by including an annoying bouncing animation: Each time you hit WinKey+Q, the user name graphic bounces in from the bottom of the screen, which also has the side-effect of slowing down the process. Stupid.

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Thank you WW. Just what I was looking for. So far, I like the fast switching feature.

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I’m with you, so far I like the whole ensemble….Windows the way I’ve always wished it could be, stable, easy to use, and lots of little things like user switching that make my (and your) life easier!

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