Difference between All Users vs. Default User

[hillboy]

What is the difference between All Users vs. Default Users. I understand that the Default Users is a template whereas All Users is a profile that could be used to override existing profiles.

Currently, we are using ghosting software to configure our all of our workstations with a basic company-wide image. After that, we manually add specific applications depending on the users' department. Up until now, we've been copying this image to the Default User profile so that new users logging onto the PC would have this image. However, a coworker showed me that we can get the same results by copying the image to All Users....I thought that doing this would only apply to EXISTING users rather than existing and new users.

If that is true, what is the difference then and what should I use?

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[ashpp]

>What is the difference between All Users vs. Default >Users. I understand that the Default Users is a template >whereas All Users is a profile that could be used to >override existing profiles.

That is correct. (Although override should really be merge)

>I thought that doing this would only apply to EXISTING >users rather than existing and new users.

If you use All Users its merged into the users profile when they log on. When users are created it users the default profile to create them. Therfore All Users profile affects everyone who logs on.

What should you do?

Basically make the Default User Profile generic enough for everyuser throughout the organisation. Make it so a profile can be created from any workstation thats generic enough for any workstation.

Use the All Users profile for location dependent bits..

For example

1.If a machine has a scanner on it place shortcuts in the All users profile on that machine and leave the default alone.

2.If all machines in a room use a CAD program place shortcuts in the All users profile on those machines and leave the default alone.

I'm not really sure if that clears it up! Hope it does.

Ash.