Switching user on Windows

[BopEuph]

I'm staying with the folks for a few months while I get ready for the next big step. While I'm home, my parents are always wanting to use my computer. The problem with it is that they are not tech savvy, so they are doing things I don't want done, like using my open Firefox windows and surfing away from what I've left open, and closing my open windows, including programs I'm working on like Finale (I do music copywork for money). Thank GOD I keep Finale to autosave every five minutes.

My question is this: I've created a guest account on my computer, and password protected mine. But when the password window shows up from the screensaver, there is no option to switch users. The only way to switch users right now is to enter my password and then log off. That pretty much defeats the purpose. I have seen this before on XP, but I can't figure this out on mine. I've tried googling this, but I can't find it. Anyone know how to select this option?

Nick

[Doug@GT]

my parents are always wanting to use my computer. The problem with it is that they are not tech savvy

I guess telling them "no" is out of the question.

Seriously, I think I can second Coder's suggestion. My screensaver is set to display the logon screen on resume. Unfortunately I only have one account on the laptop so I can't test whether or not you can switch users.

[BopEuph]

I am doing what Coder suggested. But if I leave the administrator account on and leave the computer, and it goes into screen saver mode, you have to log the password to then open the administrator, then switch users. That's too much for my parents to remember, and in that case, they will still just use my account and do the aggravating things I've already explained. They just don't really care.

I just remember having to borrow an old roommate's computer and when I brought it back from screen saver, there was an option to switch to guest account on the password window. That would be great, considering I could leave my programs on and NOT be here to have to log them in and they couldn't close out programs, and I wouldn't have to worry about them restarting my computer just to get on it. My dad is really trigger happy about that. Just a few weeks ago, I was mixing a tune, and my dad wanted to use the computer "for just five minutes." I got up and let him sit, but the internet was down, and I didn't know it. I just about had to yank his finger away from the reset button, since I hadn't saved when I gave up the chair. He was really pissed at me for not letting him reboot, thinking that would help the situation, since "the internet has never done this before."

Or, is there a way to have their computer able to log into the internet from a different room than mine? My brother works for the local phone company and says the only way is to buy a wireless router and put any computer being used on that. There has to be an easier way to do this.

Nick

[Rick F]

Hi Nick,

I assume you're using WinXP. Why not just click on 'start' then 'log off' before leaving or letting someone else use the computer. This works for my wife and me.

If I haven't logged off myself, and she wants to use the PC, she knows to logoff then log in with her username.

Hope this helps.

[BopEuph]

Simply, because I'm forgetful. But I probably should do that anyway. I should get into the habit of shutting down the PC at night, too.

Nick

[BopEuph]

If the guest account doesn't appear, you could try making a named limited account.

Bingo. Made another account, and it solved the problem. Thanks.

Nick

[Doug@GT]

However, the cheapest option, (but by no means simple on the software end), is running a cable, (usually ethernet, USB, or Firewire), directly from one PC to the other, and configuring internet connection sharing over that physical connection. What makes this difficult is that it probably won't work, even when configured correctly, and, on some systems, can't be made to work without diving in and fixing fundamental problems in the operating system.

Back when we had dial-up, and two computers, I used this setup when I was home from school. The trick is to get a "crossover" cable, instead of regular ol' ethernet cable, which basically works like a router for two computers.

Two XP computers should recognize each other automatically as a "network" without any additional effort, if you use one of these.

[BopEuph]

This wouldn't be such a bad idea, except that my computer is in my work area/woodshed, and theirs is in their office. I have been toying with the idea of running a wire out the window and into the window of the other room. My parents would dislike that idea almost as much as they would dislike running a wire down the hall.

Nick

[Dan Schultz]

my parents are always wanting to use my computer. The problem with it is that they are not tech savvy

I guess telling them "no" is out of the question.

Hmmm.... I'm thinking there must have been at least a couple of times when THEY wouldn't let you use the family car.

[windshieldbug]

they are not tech savvy

Problem solved! Just pull out the keyboard cord and tell them that it's broken...

[BopEuph]

they are not tech savvy

Problem solved! Just pull out the keyboard cord and tell them that it's broken...

Now THAT'S funny.

Then they will sit here for hours trying to figure it out, because technology like computers can't be broken. It would be funny to watch, but somehow, I bet my computer will end up worse for the wear.

Nick