Overview
This lecture covers how to use the Windows Computer Management tool to view and manage user and group information, along with an overview of key administrative menus.
Introduction to Computer Management
- Computer Management is a built-in Windows tool for administering local or domain machines.
- It consolidates key settings and management options for system administrators.
Key Menus and Their Functions
- System Tools includes several key sub-menus:
- Task Scheduler: Automate program and task execution at specified times.
- Event Viewer: Access and analyze system logs.
- Shared Folders: Manage folders accessible to multiple users.
- Local Users and Groups: Create, edit, or view local user and group accounts.
- Performance: Monitor hardware resources such as CPU and RAM.
- Device Manager: Manage hardware devices like network cards and monitors.
- Storage offers tools like Disk Management for managing drives.
- Services and Applications allows management of software services such as DNS.
Managing Users and Groups
- The Local Users and Groups section shows all local accounts, like Guest and Administrator.
- The local Administrator account is disabled by default due to high-level access risks.
- User accounts have several management options:
- Require password change at next logon for security.
- Prevent or allow users to change their password.
- Enable or disable accounts to control access.
- Lock out accounts if compromised or for disciplinary reasons.
- The "Member Of" tab lists the groups a user belongs to, affecting their permissions.
- Groups can be managed to see memberships and their associated permissions.
User Account Control (UAC)
- UAC (User Account Control) prompts admins for approval before system changes, enhancing security.
- Admin users can use their own accounts with UAC rather than staying logged into the Administrator account.
User Profile Settings
- The Profile tab lets you set user-specific options such as the location of the home folder.
- User profile settings become important in domain-based network environments.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Windows Domain — A network of computers under central management via a central database.
- Task Scheduler — Tool for automating tasks and program execution.
- Event Viewer — Utility for viewing system and security logs.
- Shared Folders — Directories accessible to multiple users on a system.
- Local Users and Groups — Section for managing user accounts and security groups.
- UAC (User Account Control) — Security feature prompting for administrator approval on system changes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice accessing and navigating the Computer Management tool.
- Review user and group settings for your local account.
- Prepare for a lesson on managing users and groups with the Windows command line interface.