Multiple Users On One Computer
Computers are expensive. Yet nearly every home in America has one. The keyword here is “one” though. Although we have a television in every room, and various other amenities, we still often only have one computer. This computer is often used by multiple users. While this is an economical decision, there are some guidelines the users must follow in order to make sure it works out well.
First of all, usage times. It is inevitable that there will be some squabbling over who gets to use the computer at what time, or that some needs to use it now because it is an emergency, there are ways to solve this. Consider making a chart of times, and have everyone pre-sign up the day of for the times that they would like to use the computer. Everyone lives different lives, so this should work out well. Parents can use it before kids get home, and then kids to do homework and socializing, and then switch again. Having a schedule will stop people from getting into a computer fisticuffs.
If the system allows it, and most do, set up multiple accounts. This will allow everyone to have their own personal settings, and not argue over a universal desktop! This way also, the parents can set restrictions of time or block certain content from the child accounts, while letting their accounts go free. This way can help for documents as well. If the adults are working from that computer, this will stop an unknowledgeable kid from accidentally deleting a big document or spreadsheet the parent was making for over a month. This can also help too if the family has a music sharing program. While they still can see everyone else’s content if they wish, the different members won’t have to sit through each other’s likely clashing music tastes.
Sites to go on is an important one as well. Some sites are just riddled with viruses and other mal ware. Teach your kids (or teach your parents!) which sites are dangerous and which are perfectly safe. There are many websites that can do this and will offer exciting ways to learn, and not just be boring and say “don’t do this… don’t do that.” Kids learn by exciting methods, not by mindless drilling, and there are many sites that know this and cater to it.
If the computer is not able to have more than one user account, remember to never check the “keep me signed in” box on many log-in and password websites. If this is checked, everyone will be able to be you as you are signed in, as there is no way to discern who is who without having multiple accounts. This will also save everyone the hassle of signing out of your account every time they wish to log into theirs.
If you are running a proxy server, teach your kids its value and how to boot it up. Teach your kids about an IP address and what it is and how it is risky to keep public. If you show them how it can locate you, and then activate the proxy and make it say you are in Switzerland, they’ll be hooked!
