Creating a user account in Windows 7 is recommended if you’re sharing the computer with someone else. If two or more people are using the same PC, you’ll want to create a user account with a unique password to log on so you -- and only you -- can access your personal information.

When the computer boots up, you’ll click a square icon to sign in to your account. (It is represented by an image, with your chosen user name shown below it.) While Windows 7 ships with many user account pictures -- about twice as many as Windows Vista -- you can also download additional icons for free from other websites.

After logging in to your account, you’ll see your personal desktop -- including your preferred wallpaper and icons -- as well as access to your own files (documents, music, photos and videos) and programs (PC games, iTunes and productivity tools). Your unique Windows 7 settings and preferences will also be remembered.

It’s as if this computer is just for you, even though you’re sharing it. But you can also select files to share among all users, if desired. To change users, simply click the Start button in the lower left-hand corner of the screen, then click the small arrow beside the words Shut Down, and select Switch User.

Creating a user account both protects your privacy and lets each user see and interact with Windows however he or she likes.