Inquiry about multiple accounts on a single computer
Inquiry about multiple accounts on a single computer
Greetings everyone, I will get straight to the matter... so what is the optimal method to have two Windows 10 accounts on a single computer with the applications installed on one account being completely independent from the other account? Something akin to Parallels Desktop when installing Windows on a Mac, although I simply desire two distinct Windows accounts without needing simultaneous access as with Parallels Desktop. Essentially, I need to acquire Parallels Desktop😀
Additionally, please consider that my SSD is only 1GB, and I would prefer to add another SSD, likely opting for a second 2GB SSD to use for my primary computer while utilizing the 1GB for the second account. Is it feasible to have two SSDs, each with a different Windows account? If so, how do you select which SSD to boot from?
If you genuinely require separate SSDs, then Dual Booting could be a solution.
However, you will need two Windows licenses to do so - one license for each drive. And overall maintenance may become cumbersome. Separate drives are not recommended.
Simply create separate User Accounts on the existing boot drive and configure the second account as needed for that user.
FYI (starter links):
https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/t...windows-10
https://www.computerworld.com/article/30...10-pc.html
There are other similar links accessible online.
What applications and access will the new user account be permitted to have? What will be restricted?
Plan everything out first before proceeding.
The primary reason is that I have specific software that I wish to test on their latest updated versions (trial editions) before proceeding with updates; therefore, I don't want them to interfere with each other.
Additionally, even if I update, I would need to retain both software versions for a while to check and compare their results to ensure that there are no issues with the new version.
Well, that may imply two actual Windows installations on separate drives.
Reasoning:
When you install something, it typically asks, "For This user only" or "For all users".
The only real distinction is where the shortcuts appear and who can access them.
The actual installation may consist of a single shared set of files.
"For all users" does not install multiple full copies of the software.
What you might consider is a second OS installation in a Virtual Machine, rather than two individual HDDs.
A VM is essentially a complete computer, encapsulated within software.
Run a basic OS and your trial software within the VM.
Once you are satisfied that the next update does not disrupt anything, then proceed with that update on your actual PC.
I utilize
VirtualBox
for this.
Depending on the software you are working with, this may be a viable option.
You couldn't have clarified it any better, thank you. I am aware of what a VM is; I previously owned an iMac with Windows installed using Parallels Desktop. That was an excellent application. Do you believe VirtualBox is as effective?
The software I use is for structural design and 3D modeling of buildings; do you think using VirtualBox will perform adequately?
I also recommend a (or multiple) VMs for the testing phase. Simple and straightforward.
So VirtualBox is my best option? Is it functioning smoothly? I don't want to jeopardize my computer; I take great care of it.