A user account in Windows 7 allows each user of a shared computer customize their own desktop and computing environment with their own settings and files. In addition, user accounts also can be used to secure data and features of the system on a user level.

There are three types of user accounts available in Windows 7. Each account type provides a different level of control of the system.

User Account Types  

Standard Account
A standard account is the most common account and is standard account for users.

Administrator Account
The administrator account allows the user to have administrator control over the computer and user accounts.

Guest Account
A guest account is an account with limited access for a user who needs access the computer for a limited amount of time or for a very specific task.

User accounts are setup with a username and password for each user that they must use to login and access their computing environment and files.

Create a User Account Note: You must be an administrator to create or modify user accounts.

1. Click Start | Control Panel | User Accounts
2. Click on Manage another account (you might get prompted to enter the administrator password)
3. Click on Create a new account
4. Type in a name for the new user account which will appear on the welcome screen and start menu.
5. Select an account type. It is a recommended that a standard account is used.
6. Click on Create Account to create new account

Change User Account Settings

There are several settings that can be changed for a user account in Windows 7. They are as follows:

Change account name
This option will change the name the name of the account.
Create a password (or modify an existing password)Select or change a password for a user account. It is strongly recommended that all accounts have a password.

Change the picture
The account picture is a picture that is associated with the user and appears on the welcome screen and start menu.

Set up Parental Controls
Parental controls are used to control access to programs and files for individual users.

Change the account type
This option is used to change between the different account types in Windows 7.

Delete account
Used to delete account that is no longer used or needed.

Change Users Account Settings

1. Click Start | Control Panel | User Accounts
2. Click on Manage another account (you might get prompted to enter the administrator password)
3. Select the account to be modified
4. Make the desired changes to the account