Operating systems

User accounts

How operating systems separate and protect users.

Terms

3 terms

  • Administrator account

    An administrator account is a user account with elevated rights to install software, change system settings and manage other users on an operating system.

  • Guest account

    A guest account is a restricted operating system login for temporary users that grants minimal rights and keeps no lasting personal data or settings.

  • Standard user account

    A standard user account is an operating system account that can run programs and change personal settings but cannot change system-wide configuration.