How Computers Work · How an Operating System Works · Lesson 5 of 5

Challenge: The Family Computer

Help a family make their shared computer safer.

One account for everyone

Your neighbor Dana asks for help. Her family shares one Windows computer. Dana, her partner and their two kids, ages 10 and 14, all use it.

Everyone signs in to one account called "Family." It is an administrator account, and it has no password. The kids install games from websites. Lately, odd pop-ups appear and the computer feels slow. Dana is worried.

Dana says, "We all just click Yes on those boxes that pop up. Is that a problem?"

Think about what you learned. Any program runs with the powers of the account that starts it. Here, that account can change anything.

Fixing the setup

Dana wants a better setup, but she doesn't want it to be complicated. She will be the person who approves new installs. Her partner wants his own space too.

You sit down with her and open Settings > Accounts > Other users. You explain that each person can have their own sign-in, with their own files and settings.

You also explain the two account types again. One kind can change anything. The other kind needs an admin password for big changes. You talk through a few choices together.

The install request

A week later, the 14 year old signs in to his new standard account. He tries to install a drawing program his teacher asked for.

The screen dims. A box appears showing the program's name and its maker. It won't let him continue on his own, so he calls Dana over.

The scary pop-up

Next, the 10 year old shows Dana a website pop-up. In red letters it says: "Warning: 27 outdated drivers found. Your PC may crash. Download Driver Fixer Pro now."

Dana asks if she should download it, just to be safe. The computer's sound, screen and Wi-Fi all work just fine.