Ask HN: How many local logins do you have on your computer?
5 points
7 hours ago
| 6 comments
| HN
Way back when computers were a scarce resource and we had to share them. Multiple local user accounts were used for this purpose. Now I find that I never have multiple local logins (the username and password you use to access your physical hardware) except for my personal login and sometimes and admin login. Curious what others do and in what context. It makes tons of sense for a dedicated device in a work context. At home do you have a different account for say your kid? Bonus points: multiple users on a phone or tablet. I had to do that one time on Android it was interesting.
WCSTombs
6 hours ago
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On my own computers I typically have the two logins you mentioned, the user and the root account, since there's only one of me and only I use the computers. On the computer I recently had for work there were many accounts, since the sysadmins sometimes needed to SSH in. I also selectively added accounts for some of my coworkers as needed.

If I lived with any family, making non-sudoer accounts for them on at least some of the machines would seem like a pretty normal thing.

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treesknees
3 hours ago
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I use a locked down kiosk user account when I’m responsible for driving slideshows or videos for events. I restrict the permissions so that if someone were to access the laptop, they can’t make any meaningful changes or pull up something inappropriate. I also change the wallpaper and account icon to match the event.

I could use a cheap throwaway laptop, but actually using my M1 MacBook saved me. One time I was running a slideshow that lead into a new years countdown, somebody decided the laptop was in their way so they unplugged the power cable and moved it. It ran on battery for 6-7 hours before I noticed and nearly had a panic attack.

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JohnFen
6 hours ago
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It depends on the computer. Some of them have multiple local accounts because they're used by multiple people. Most of them have an account for me and for root. In most of those, actually logging in as root is disabled, though.
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bahmboo
6 hours ago
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What's the context? I'm assuming this is in a workplace? IT or non IT?
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JohnFen
6 hours ago
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These are my personal systems on my home network. I have a strict policy that logins aren't shared, so everyone gets their own.
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rurban
2 hours ago
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Only mine. root only via sudo
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HardwareLust
6 hours ago
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Two, user and root, but I live alone and don't have to share with anyone.
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scrivna
5 hours ago
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On a mac and I have 1 user account for myself only.
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