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    two users with two different set of programs available

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by fuzzychicken, Jan 24, 2010.

  1. fuzzychicken

    fuzzychicken Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello folks,

    I work in academic settings (grad student) and I am planning to buy a new laptop. This laptop will be used for work (i.e. at work) and home.

    According to the local IT rules, I am not allowed to install the programs those are not tested and confirmed by them, may it be legally purchased. Now the issue is, since this will be used for home too, I have really lot of programs those do not fit to this bill, right from FastStone Image Viewer. IT guy said, its possible that you make two users on that Windows 7 machine and home user can access all of those programs you want and work user can access the programs those needed for work. (Also, I will be installing one program that is purchased by the university for the students, university license)

    I have no clue how to do this thing. The IT folks won't help (its not their job). Anybody has some pointers on how this can be achieved. In all my honesty, its very difficult to work without these programs, those do not fit this bill. Most of the programs I use are freewares for personal use but I don't want to spend time arguing with IT guys.

    Now a perfect situation would look like as I mentioned before, 2 users account with limited access to the programs. But if I want, I should be able to quickly sneak in the programs restricted to home account to get my job done quickly. I wonder how can I achieve this. If this is not possible, how do I manage 2 users with restricted access in each account.

    Many thanks in advance.

    (PS - This machine is Windows Vista at the moment, will be upgraded to Windows 7 using Dell upgrade)
     
  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    Simple way to do is install the programs in different folders (program1, program 2 etc ..) and create users account that see and access only the folders that you would like them to.

    cheers ...
     
  3. fuzzychicken

    fuzzychicken Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is this the ONLY option available? Any other suggestions?
    Thanks in advance.
     
  4. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    You can use App locker under the Admin tools.
     
  5. fuzzychicken

    fuzzychicken Notebook Enthusiast

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    That sounds like good thing. I will give a try.
    Thanks
     
  6. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    Simple(r) solution would be to dual boot the machine and use one for home and one for work. Two different OSs means absolutely no comingling of apps and data.
     
  7. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can use the parental feature to enable/disable program which are allowed or disabled in each account. It's pretty simple to use as well.