1. Select a Time slot
One way to share the family computer is to assign time slots to your family for computer usage. If junior needs to do his schoolwork online, tell him he's got between 4 and 5 p.m. to get it done because you are using the computer for an online chat scheduled at 7. Your husband says he wants to check the weather, so you assign him the 8 p.m. time slot to get that done. He'll then have the whole hour for that, as well as his political research he simply must do before the next upcoming election. Your teen wants to chat with her friend who has moved to Michigan, and you assign 9 p.m. to her. Now everyone can use the computer at their designated times. Just be sure each of them knows when their time is up, and what their time is.
2. Divide and Conquer
Windows XP and Vista has the ability to create users. Each of these users can customize desktop items to fit their style. They also have their own document folder, so your teen's documents don't sit in the same folder with your 10-year-old's. Keeping these documents separate has more than one benefit. Another user won't delete them and one user doesn't have to search through tons of other people's documents to find the one they are looking for. Also, another neat feature is each user can have their own icon and user name. This is a great way for each of your family members to express their individuality. Each user also has their own picture and music folders as well.
3. Share the Computer Together
Although using a computer is generally a one person action, you can enjoy picture viewing and a web cam together as a family. You might also do some research and find something interesting you want to share with the whole family. If so, you can get a video output connection that joins your computer output device, the monitor, to your television. You may need to install several ports on both your computer and TV, but the family togetherness while sharing these experiences is worth the technical challenges. If you need help, check out your local computer store.
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