Not every computer is used as a personal computer. There are a number of situations in which several different people might use the same computer, such as in schools, Internet cafés, or libraries. Shared access computing refers to scenarios where a single computer is used by more than one person. Many people in the world may have their first computing experience on a shared computer, and many may find shared access the most practical ongoing way to access the Internet and perform other personal computing tasks. That's why it's important to address the needs of both users and operators of shared computers. People who share computers typically need a consistent computing environment. Applications should perform reliably. It can also be important to provide an unchanging interface at every logon. For novice users, changes in screen appearance can be confusing and make learning difficult. Shared computer users may also be concerned about personal privacy. People usually want to know that their personal information, from financial data to browsing habits, won't be available to the next person who uses the machine. The operator is the person responsible for maintaining the shared computer and overseeing its use on a day-to-day basis. The operator is not always an IT professional. In many cases operating the shared computers is a secondary role for a person whose primary role might be teacher, librarian, salesperson, or parent. Operators of shared computers typically need easy and reliable ways to accomplish many of the same goals that IT professionals achieve using a server environment, namely: Managing multiple users and different groups Protecting against malware and untrusted users Undoing unwanted changes made by users Customizing the interface for accessibility Optimizing for the success of inexperienced users
Because we recognize the challenges and the importance of the shared computer experience, the Shared Access team provides tools and guidance for the purpose of making Windows the best, most reliable, and easiest shared computer operating system possible.
We want shared computer operators, whatever their technical level, to be able to easily set up and manage computers that meet their needs precisely. We want the users of shared computers to have the consistent experience they are looking for along with the reliability and privacy they demand. | 
