The rule that computer administrators worked to in the past was simple: A system administrator could do everything on the computer, other users couldn't do anything. Once all the users calmed down, the system admin would draw up a list of what each uer's requirements were and set up permissions so each user could get their work done.

You might be thinking about viruses and spyware but there's more to running a computer. We've all seen the kerfuffle that ensues when, for example, that assignment due today can't be printed because the ink cartridges are empty or the internet connection won't connect for an important email to be sent.

So we're not only talking here about keeping the antivirus program up to date, installing the latest XP updates and checking periodically for spyware, but generally setting up the computer (or computers) so it's always running properly.

Several XP owners have taken webDotWiz's advice and set up user accounts on their computers so that one person has an administrative account guarded with a password and other users have limited accounts. The administrative account allows only that person to install new software and remove old programs as well as the extra responsibility of seeing Windows and the antivirus program are updated.

In the situation where one person has the responsibility for the installation of any new software, the situation becomes difficult when another family member (using a limited account) can't download and install some piece of software - "I've just got to have it!!".

"Not yet" might be a suitable reply until you, as admin user, checks out this "I must have" software. That's easy - simply type in the software's name into any search engine and see what comes up. If reviews and comments mention the possibility of your computer being invaded by viruses or spyware, then the answer has to be a definite "No".

So here's another job for the person in charge of the computer - start building up some knowledge of what software downloads can be dangerous (e.g., spyware), and what software, free or otherwise, can cause instability on your computer. When you search, watch out for rave reviews (too good to be true) and keep an eye out for comments from users who've had problems. A good site for the latter is www.download.com where users have submitted their comments on each piece of software. For example, when you see that someone had trouble un-installing a program, you know to avoid it.

It's an onerous job being the one in charge of the computer - everybody's never happy but they're certainly unhappy when the computer isn't working. And the younger ones, when later they have their own computer, impose stricter rules on everybody who uses their machine than you ever will. Interesting, isn't it?