Just like Windows XP and Vista, Windows 7 lets you create different user accounts on the same computer; this is extremely useful not only when you share your computer with another member of your family, but even if you want to keep and use two different configurations on your computer and want to be able to switch between them real quick.

How to create a new user account in Windows 7

Click the Start button and then Control Panel; under User Accounts and Family Safety click Add or remove user accounts.

On the next window click Create a new account

Choose a name for your user account, select the account type and click the Create Account button. There are three types of user accounts on Windows 7: Administrator, Standard and Guest. It is generally a good practice to have only one administrator on a single computer; the administrator has full access to all settings and programs, he can make any changes that he desires, including deleting and creating user accounts. The standard user account cannot delete system files, install new software, but can use most of the programs on the computer and access all files and folders. The guest account has very limited access permissions, which is why it is usually created when you want to give someone a temporary access to the computer.

Once the account has been created and you are logged in as the administrator, you can set a password in order to protect it, change the account type, set up Parental controls, change the account picture or delete the account altogether.