Account

What is Account?

Definition

An account is a system-defined identity that represents a specific user within a computer system, website, or online service. It controls access to files, settings, permissions, and other user-specific information stored by the system. This helps keep each user’s data separate, organized, and secure when multiple people use the same services or devices.

Frayer Model Overview

Frayer model diagram explaining the computer term “Account,” with sections for definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Download Account Visual Study Guide (PDF)

Characteristics

  • Represents a user, not a device or a file

  • Has associated permissions and access rights

  • Stores user-specific settings and preferences

  • Can own files and control who can use them

  • Exists independently of any single application

Examples

  • A user account on a shared Windows computer

  • A student account used to access campus systems

  • An account that determines which files appear after sign-in

  • A system account with limited or full permissions

  • An account profile with personalised desktop settings

Non-Examples

  • An email address by itself

  • A single application like Word or Excel

  • A file or folder

  • A password or username alone

  • A physical ID or login card

Related Terms

See It In Action