User Profiles

Windows Profiles

• an environment created specifically for a user

• created for all new users by copying and modifying a default profile

• Three types

  • Local

  • Mandatory

  • Roaming

Local Profile

• The basic type of profile

• Accounts on a stand-alone computer

• Users can modify any data in the profile

Local Profile Problems

• user data is not shared among clients when used in domain

  • questionable file availability

  • no bookmarks or dictionaries

Mandatory Profiles

• Read-only profile assigned to an account

  • Ensures the user’s environment is always the same

  • Multiple user accounts can use the same mandatory profile

  • Profiles can be managed/modified only by the administrator

• Typically used for accounts associated with specific tasks

  • Bank tellers, POS, etc.

Roaming Profiles

• user profile is stored on a network share

• purdue account on school computers

• allows for the user to always have a consistent environment as changes are always available

Roaming Profiles Configuration

• the UNC of the profile is specified in the user’s profile properties

• home folder is the centralize storage location for user files

Roaming Profile Issues

• increase logon/logoff time

• create versioning issues if logins are simultaneous

• profile remains on client after logoff

Folder Redirection

• Portions of the profile can be redirected to a network share

  • Redirected components are NOT copied at logon/logoff

Folder Redirection Pros

• Reduced logon/logoff times

• Increases security by eliminating data left on clients

Folder Redirection Cons

• The user must be connected to the network to access the redirected profile components

  • An issue for portable computers

  • Can be alleviated through online files

Which folders are redirected?

• App data/roaming

• Desktop

• Documents

• Pictures

• Start Menu

Which folders are not redirected?

• Contacts

• Downloads

• Favorites

• Links

• Music