something to vote on

  • Thread starter Thread starter Robert
  • Start date Start date
R

Robert

Hi,

I've finally thought of something I'd like implemented in Vista (that you
can vote on):

Different default programs in different user accounts.

To explain: I have a child that is allowed access to the computer. I have
an account, he has an account. I have default programs, he has default
programs (for mail, browsing, etc.), but Vista (and previous versions of
Windows) want one default system wide. My son can't have a default e-mail
program different from mine. Why? He has a different desktop. He has his
own document directory (sorry.....folder), etc.

Please vote on this so somebody will do something useful.

Thank you.

Robert
 
Seems to me your son can have any default programs he wants. Even a mail
client. Right-click the Start button, choose Properties. Click Customize and
choose a mail client or service. For default programs he should be able to
right-click, choose Open With > Choose Open With and choose the default
program for that document type. Just make sure the "Always use the selected
program..." is selected.

That's how it usually works anyway. But I haven't actually tried it in the
current build.
 
Hi,

I've finally thought of something I'd like implemented in Vista (that you
can vote on):

Different default programs in different user accounts.
Click to expand...

I've always thought they ought to at least have that as well as having
both "adult" and "minor" types of user accounts with the appropriate
security policies already in place.
 
Robert--

See if using this will help you out. I don't know if it will allow a different default email program for your son, but it might. You can even set it not to remember settings say, if you had smaller kids who could knock out some settings or files. Older children would figure work arounds. But I thought some of the features of this might suit your situation. It's free from Microsoft.

Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit for Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...56-E3DA-42EA-857D-92B716077A84&displaylang=en


Tools Summary
The Toolkit includes several command-line tools and the following graphical tools:
a.. Getting Started. Provides access to computer settings and utilities and helps first-time operators learn the Toolkit basics quickly.
b.. Windows Disk Protection. Protects the Windows partition (typically drive C) that contains the Windows operating system and other programs from being modified without administrator approval. Disk changes made are cleared with each restart unless the administrator chooses to save them.
c.. User Restrictions. Restricts user access to programs, settings, and Start menu items. The tool also allows you to lock shared local user profiles to prevent permanent changes. (This tool is specifically for use in workgroup environments that do not use Active Directory and Group Policy. A Group Policy template is also included for use in Active Directory environments.)
d.. Profile Manager. Creates and deletes user profiles. You can use this tool to create user profiles on alternative drives that will retain data and settings even though Windows Disk Protection is on. You can also use the tool to completely delete profiles that have been locked by the User Restrictions tool.
I suspect nothing would prevent this from being used in Vista. See if it will allow separate default email accounts.

CH
 
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