An "account" is (in the computer context) the right to use a computer or a pool of computers.

Account is often translated as "account" or "access authorization". Both are not very happy translations. On the pages of the SGI, the term "account" is therefore generally used as a technical term.

An account consists of:

•     Access authorization
•     The authorization to use machines.

    The authorization is checked in two steps during the so-called "Logon" or "Login". In the first step, the user must identify himself with his user name (account name). In the second step, the so-called "authentication", the user must prove that he really is this user by entering his password.

    In the SGI, the user name consists of the user's own initials and a consecutive number.

    Once authentication has been completed, the computer is ready for work. All actions take place in the name of the user until he logs off again ("Logoff" or "Logout"). The user name is stored in log files during some steps of the work process and has a quasi signature function there. Therefore:

•         Never leave your own computer unattended!
•         Never let someone else work under your account!
•         Do not forget to log off!

    When logging out, you should wait until the login screen appears again. It happens, for example, again and again that individual applications stop the logout process because they still ask the user questions ("Save changes?"). If you have already left, someone else can continue working with your account.
    Resource Allocation
    An account is often allocated resources in limited quantities. Such limited allocations are called "quota" in the jargon, or sometimes also "contingent".

    In the SGI, the disk space of the home directory and the print pages are limited. Details are given on the specific pages for each of these topics.