Permissions To Edit Or Move

If you’ve ever tried to tinker with something in Vista and received a “you need permission to perform this action” message. I have gotten frustrated because I have to go through extra steps before I could move or delete a file.

After getting the message window that you do not have permission, you will need to go through some extra steps. This is done by;

1. Right-click the file and select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Click Advanced in the lower right.
4. In the Advanced Security Settings window that pops up, click on the Owner tab.
5. Click Edit.
6. Click Other users or groups.
7. Click Advanced in the lower left corner.
8. Click Find Now.
9. Scroll through the results and double-click on your current user account.
10. Click OK to all of the remaining windows except the first Properties window.
11. Select your user account from the list up top and click Edit.
12. Select your user account from the list up top again and then in the pane below, check Full control under Allow, or as much control as you need.
13. You’ll get a security warning, click Yes.
14. On some files that are essential to Windows, you’ll get a “Unable to save permission changes… access is denied” warning and there’s nothing that you can do about it to the best of my knowledge.
15. Reconsider why you’re using Windows.

Switching to Another User

Instead of logging off, which means closing all the programs you have been using, to allow someone else can use the computer. You can use what is call Fast User Switching. This means one user can leave their programs running while another user logs on to check their email.

To use this feature:

• Left click the Start Orb
• Click the right arrow button to the right of the Lock icon,
• Then select Switch User
• A pop-up menu will appear with the names of all the users on that computer
• Your user name will have the words Logged on underneath it to indicate that you’re still logged in, even though you’ve just disconnected.
• The individual who wants to check their email can simply log in.
  

To go back:

• Have the second user log off
• Then click on your user name and type your password
• Press Enter or click the arrow
• Now Windows will display your session again. All the programs and windows as you left them.
  

Lock Windows

If you are in a situation, you don't want anybody mess with you computer, while you take a quick bathroom break. There is an answer. You can lock Windows. Then no one else can get on that specific computer until you enter your password.

The first step is to go to the Control Panel, User Accounts, then to your user account window. Left click on password protect.

At this point make sure you choose a good password. Not like what the one my wife had when our daughter was four years old. Her password was "mom". Of course our daughter guessed it and logged on my wife's computer. Enough about passwords, back to locking you computer.

When you are ready to lock your computer, do the three finger salute (Hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys the press Delete key.) A option window will appear. The top option will be Lock computer. To unlock the computer you will have to type you password.

Another way to lock the computer is through the Start Orb.

• Left click on the Start Orb
• Go to the little arrow that is points to the left
  
• From the options left click on Lock
  

Who Is Logged On

Since Windows XP more than one user could be logged into a computer at the same time. Fast User Switching allowed one user to walk away from the computer while another checked their email. In my family at one point everyone could be logged in at the same time. Seeing who is logged in to the computer becomes a very important tool.

You can see who else is logged on to the computer in either of two ways:

1. Switch user so that Windows displays the Welcome screen, and then look to see which users are shown as logged in. The problem with this approach is that you then need to log back in.
2. Right click the Taskbar, and then choose Task Manager from the shortcut menu to open Task Manager. Left click the Users tab to display the Users page. Here you will see the users and their status.
   

UAC - Run As Administrator

Most of the time Windows Vista will prompt you if you need to run as a full Administrator. There will be a few times where you may need to use Administrative privileges from the command prompt.

• Left click on the Start
• Click All Programs, and then click Accessories
• Right click the Command Prompt then click Run as administrator
• If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

Managing User Account Control

User Account Control (or UAC) is a tool to help keep us safe. However many people do not like to be bugged by windows opening asking them if they really want to install a program. Turning off UAC strips away one of Vista's security features. You will not receive warnings of downloads, even secret, malicious ones.

If you must shutdown UAC. There is an alternative solution TweakUAC. This is a free program allows you to put UAC into quiet mode.

Quiet mode keeps User Account Control running, but TweakUAC suppresses the alerts. You won't get them when installing or running software. Plus, you can turn quiet mode on or off without rebooting.

If you keep User Account Control running or use TweakUAC you must remember that User Account Control is tool to keep you and your computer safe.

NOTE: If you want more details about User Account Control check out this weeks podcast on Talkshoe.

UAC or User Account Control

User Account Control or UAC is a new security feature in Windows Vista. If have changed setting or install any software you have ran gotten alerts asking you if you really wanted to perform tha action. Only permits authorized users to install software, or any hardware. The reason for UAC is to stop malicious programs before they do any harm to your computer.

UAC is controlled by left clicking on the Windows icon in the lower left of your screen. Then going to Control Panel. Left click on User Accounts. When in User Accounts uncheck User Account Control.