Creating a User Account

You should not use your administrator account for everyday tasks on your computer. Your administrator account allows you to install software, but using it all the time is dangerous because viruses and Trojan horses accidentally run from the administrator account can cause greater harm to your computer. To prevent damage to your system, you should create a user account for every day use.

Windows XP

To create a user account inWindows XP:

1. Click the Start button in the lower left corner of the desktop.
2. Click Settings, then click Control Panel.
3. In the Control Panel window, click User Accounts.
4. In the User Accounts window, click Create a new account.
5. Enter the user account name in the Account Name field and click Next.
6. Select the Limited radio button, then click Next.
7. Click Create Account.
8. In the User Accounts window, click on the new account.
9. Click Change the password.
10. Enter the desired password (this should be different than the administrator password). Be sure to use a strong password.
11. Verify the password and add a password hint.
12. Click Change Password.
13. Log out of the administrator account by hitting CTRL-ALT-DEL and selecting Log Off. Then log back in as the new user account.

Windows 2000

To create a user account inWindows 2000:

1. Click the Start button in the lower left corner of the desktop.
2. Click Settings, then click Control Panel.
3. In the Control Panel window, click Users and Passwords.
4. In the Users and Passwords window, select the Users must enter a name and password to use this computer check box.
5. Click Add.
6. Enter the User Name and Full Name, then click Next.
7. Enter the desired password (this should be different than the administrator password). Be sure to use a strong password.
8. Click Next.
9. Select the Standard User radio button, then click Finish.
10. Click OK.
11. Log out of the administrator account by hitting CTRL-ALT-DEL and selecting Log Off. Then log back in as the new user account.

Windows NT

To create a user account inWindows NT:

1. Click the Start button in the lower left corner of the desktop.
2. Click Programs, then Administrative Tools (Common), and then User Management.
3. In the User Management window, click New User.
4. Enter the User Name and Full Name.
5. Enter the desired password (this should be different than the administrator password). Be sure to use a strong password.
6. To allow the user to select a new, private password, select the User Must Change Password at Next Logon check box.
7. Click OK.
8. On the Start menu, click Shut Down, select the Close all programs and log on as a different user radio button, then click Yes.

Installing Software from the User Account

When you need to install new software from your user account, you can use the Run As feature to temporarily become the administrator.

1. Press shift while holding down the right mouse button and a menu will appear.


2. Select Run As and enter your administrator password. The task you just executed will be performed as the administrator.