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Switching between users
Windows XP keeps track of everybody's programs while
different people use the computer.
Switching users is fast and easy. While holding down the Windows
key (it's usually between your keyboard's Ctrl and Alt keys),
press the letter L. Wham! The Welcome screen pops up, letting
another person use the computer for a while.
After you finish using the computer, hold down the Windows key
and press the letter L. Wham! The Welcome screen pops up again,
letting a different user log on.
If you don't like the Windows key, use the mouse to switch
users: Click the Start button and click Log Off from the bottom
of the menu. After the new window appears, click Switch User.
The Welcome screen appears.
Microsoft touts this feature as Fast User Switching, or FUS in
the trade.
If Fast User Switching doesn't work on your computer, the
administrator may have turned it off.
Choosing Log Off rather than using Fast User Switching is often
better, especially for computers without a lot of memory.
Programs automatically shut down after users log off the
computer, and the computer runs faster for the next user. If you
use Fast User Switching, the computer must juggle unsaved
settings and open programs, leading to more overhead. |