In this chapter, we discuss multiuser computers, which support more than one user profile; multiboot computers, which support more than one operating system; and networked computers, usually servers, which support users locally and remotely, and sometimes multiple users at once. To support this discussion, we present a quick review of file system security, file system compatibility, and program compatibility.
Microsoft Windows operating systems since Microsoft Windows for Workgroups have been able to manage user profiles. This allows each user to maintain his own desktop settings and have a separate area to store his own files. Since the advent of the NTFS file system, users have also been able to apply security to their files to prevent unauthorized use of files by other users on the same computer. As you present this section, browse the Documents and Settings folders on a classroom computer. Show your students where profile elements such as the desktop and Start menu are stored. If time permits, show them a few tricks such as placing an icon into All UsersDesktop to give it to all users on the computer.
Windows XP Professional provides the option of managing users in Computer Management or from Control Panel. This slide shows Local Users and groups in Computer Management. We will show the Control Panel Users tool on the next slide. Describe the difference between the way user accounts are organized when a computer is a member of a workgroup and when it is a domain member. If time permits, show your students where a user’s profile folder location is defined in Computer Management.
There is no Local Users and Groups area in Computer Management for Windows XP Home Edition. You can manage users only from the Users tool in Control Panel. If time permits, show your students where a user’s profile folder location is defined in the User Accounts tool in Control Panel.
This slide depicts use of the All Users Desktop folder to place icons on every user’s desktop on a multiuser computer. Occasionally, you will get a call from a user asking how it is that one user has a certain icon and this user doesn’t. A quick check into the Documents and Settings folders answers that question.
Computers configured to run more than one operating system are referred to as multiboot computers. When covering multiboot computers, ensure your students understand that each operating system is complete, having its own configuration, applications, and users. Any application or user required in each operating system must be installed or created on that operating system. Simply being on the same hardware does not translate to being installed on both systems. If users want to share documents between the two systems, they have to make sure the file systems are accessible to both operating systems. An example of this is would be where Microsoft Windows XP has to be installed with FAT or FAT32 to allow Microsoft Windows XP to access files.
Operating systems based on Windows NT technology (Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003) use bootloaders to load and start the operating system. Each new bootloader includes improvements over the previous version. They are backward compatible only. In other words, the bootloader for Windows NT 4.0 will not start Windows XP Professional. Make sure you install the newest operating system last to allow the proper bootloader to be used. Windows XP can access files stored on FAT, FAT32, and NTFS file systems. When you install Windows XP on a multiboot computer with Windows 9x/Me, you’ll need to use a file system both operating systems support, which means FAT or FAT32. You should install each operating system in its own system partition to prevent one operating system from inadvertently overwriting information critical to the other.
Networked computers can support more than one concurrent user. Each user gets an individual desktop, and each user can run any application that has been prepared for use in this environment. Desktop settings, application settings, and documents are all presented to users as if they were operating a stand-alone system. Networked computers can lead to lower cost if they enable users to access these applications from relatively low-end devices such as older PCs, Pocket PCs, or even Windows terminals (a type of diskless workstation). Mention the need to properly configure applications for this environment. Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 can usually complete this task without any special assistance. Occasionally, however, it becomes necessary to manually configure the application. When this happens, an experienced administrator or engineer is usually involved.
Windows XP has the ability to project its desktop to a Remote Desktop client located at a remote site. This is especially useful for telecommuters who can access their familiar desktop while at home or on the road. The Remote tab of the System Properties dialog box controls the operation of Remote Desktop. Selecting the check box and assigning users are all that is required to enable this service.
Remote Desktop Connection can be used to access the services of a terminal server or to use the Remote Desktop feature of a Windows XP computer. This animated slide depicts the progression of a Remote Desktop session from sign on to use of Microsoft Excel. Note on the seventh frame of the animation the Windows Security button that will present the Windows Security dialog box (the same as normally appears when you press Ctrl + Alt + Del).
Multiuser computers support multiple user profiles, but do not allow these profiles to be used concurrently. Multiboot computers are able to run more than one operating system. This allows one computer to support multiple roles. Data to be shared between operating systems must be stored on a file system both can access. Applications must be installed for each system that will use them.
Networked computers allow access to a desktop logged on locally and from a remote location. Some, such as Microsoft Terminal Services running on Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 allow multiple users to be logged on at once. Applications used concurrently must be installed for concurrent use.
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