Fast user switching is a feature, a term for some rather loose functionality, of a multi-user operating system. This allows users to switch between user accounts on one computer without leaving the app and exit.
Video Fast user switching
Implementation on Linux family-based kernel operating system
The Linux kernel VT subsystem (please read Pseudoterminal article, Linux console and virtual console) dates back to 1993 and does not understand the concept of some "seats", which means that up to 63 VT, only one VT can be active at any given time. Despite the limitations of this kernel, multiseat is supported on GNU/Linux. The feature of "fast user switching" has a less demanding requirement, so multi-seats do not work because many users do not work simultaneously, and therefore work easily.
The most straight-forward solution for the elegant multi-seat is kmscon/systemd-consoled in combination with systemd-logind. Available desktop environments such as GNOME or KDE Software Compilation customize their graphical logins and session managers (eg GDM, SDDM, LightDM, etc.) to the solutions below and must be configured to implement quick user switching that way.
For installations with older environments, functionality must be enabled in the appropriate configuration file then hot button sequences such as CTRL-ALT-F8 are pressed. Separate sign in windows will now appear and the second user can sign in (or even the first user again). Alternatively, in the default installation, a new X session can be started at will by using different display parameters to run it in a different virtual terminal (eg " startx ->: 1 "or" X: localhost 1-dozen "). Again, the hot key sequence allows the user to switch to take place.
Rapid user switches have the potential to present security-related complications, and are handled differently among operating systems, each with advantages and disadvantages. One possibility, simple and secure, is that only the first user gets the ownership of the resource. The second option is to assign ownership of resources to each new user. The last to enter requires ownership. The third is to allow all users to access shared resources. It's easier and more intuitive, but allows (for example) one user to record other users' conversations. On Windows, shared resources, such as sound, are available for all sessions. In Red Hat Linux, the default behavior is to grant ownership of "console resources" to the first connected session, but can share resources between console user groups or configured to manage console ownership differently.
Maps Fast user switching
Implementation on Microsoft Windows operating system family
Rapid user switching in Windows is based on Remote Desktop Services technology. In Windows XP, GINA which is a Winlogon component, and with which users quickly switch interact, can be programmed to be called to automate the fast user switch. PowerToy, known as the Super Fast Switcher was offered in 2002 by Microsoft. This allows users to quickly switch to using the hotkey keyboard (Win Q) (similar to Alt-Tab) without even going to the Welcome screen. It was then made unavailable when the original set of PowerToys was replaced by an updated version, but still works with Windows XP SP3 (32-bit) while running as administrator.
In Windows Vista, GINA is being replaced by Evidence Provider , but they do not support programmatic initiation from fast user switching.
In Windows XP, fast user switching is not available if the computer is on a Windows Server domain network or if Offline Files is enabled. Windows Vista and then no longer have these restrictions.
References
External links
- Quick User Switching Architecture in Windows XP
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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