What Are User Accounts in Windows, MacOS, and Linux? Types and Privileges Explained

In the world of sophisticated computers, user accounts are important in maintaining data security, access management, and personalisation for each user in different operating systems available, such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux (Ubuntu). For maintaining good control over your PC, understanding the user account and its types is important and crucial.

In this article, we will discuss the major three operating systems user accounts their type and the privileges they offer for the user, whether you are a professional, an organisation, or a home user.

User Account

An identity that is generated for a person in a computer system or computer is called a user account.

A user account contains a set of special keywords, including a password and username, for every individual user, which allows the individual to access and use computer resources.

Windows, MacOS or Linux- each operating system has its user account and types that define the level of access for the user as well as the security and integrity of the system.

It controls the files, applications, and other settings that a user can modify as per individual requirements. It is strongly advised that each user be assigned a password for increased security and privacy in order to get the most out of user accounts. This guarantees that their private folders and data are inaccessible to other users.

Such enhancement in the usability of the iOS devices to physically challenged individuals is not only a positive step but also conforms to Apple’s ideology of making all improvements beneficial to everyone without excluding any group.

1.Windows User Account – Types and Privileges

The most popular operating system among users is Windows, while it offers several different types of user accounts with different levels of control and a variety of privileges for the users.

• Administrator Account: Administrators have full control on the computer. This account holds the highest level of privileges, as the administrator can install software, manage systems and other user accounts, and access all the files available on the computer and also change settings as per individual’s requirements.
• Standard Account: Standard users have limited access and control of the system. A standard user can access all applications but can’t access other user’s personal files and folders. Basic settings can be changed but cannot install or uninstall software and cannot make any significant change on it.
• Guest Account : A computer can only have one guest account, and they are intended for temporary users. They have minimal access to the computer and are highly restricted. It only allows users for web-browsing limited access to pre-installed applications and files in the system.
• Child Account: It allows monitored access for parental control. It’s directly linked to the parent’s account and allows features like app restrictions, time limitations and content filtrations.

2.MacOS User Account – Types and Privileges

Apple MacOS also offers some different types of user accounts with different levels of control and privacy for each user.

• A:- Administrator Account: The administrator account gives full access and control. Users can easily install software, reset settings as per individual needs and configure network options manually. This account can manage critical system decisions.
• B:- Standard Account: The purpose of this account is daily use. Ordinary people will be able to customise their desktop backdrop, configure preferences as they see fit, and have access to their own home folder.
• C:- Managed with Parental Control Account: It allows limited access with monitoring. What all you can control and manage are:
• Time: The days and hours that a Mac can be used are up to you to select.
• Applications: The ones that are permitted for usage are of your own choice.
• Finder view: You have the option of using the home folder and selected apps in standard view or Simple Finder.
• Web and stores: You have the option to restrict access to adult websites, list the sites that are permitted, or grant unfettered access.
• Mail and Messages: A managed account's message recipient list is customisable. Notifications can be configured if the controlled account tries to get in touch with someone who isn't on the list.
• D:- Guest Account: A managed account's message recipient list is customisable. Notifications can be configured if the controlled account tries to get in touch with someone who isn't on the list.

3.Linux (Ubuntu) User Account – Types and Privileges

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that is composed of free and open-source software. This provides more precise control to the user.

• Root (superuser) Account : This account provides unlimited access to the system. This account counts more privileges as compared to others, it provides features such as modifications to the operating system, installing and uninstalling software’s, managing user accounts, and changing configuration.
• Standard Account: An Ubuntu user can perform daily tasks easily, such as browsing, changing personal settings, and using installed applications but has some restrictions on its way to limit full access.
• Guest Account: Ubuntu guest users have temporary accounts with limited access and no authority to change settings or to install apps. All data and settings are changed once the session ends.