Can I change users without logging out
 

Im using mint 13 cinamon and wondering is it possible to get a switch user option as now im not the only one who uses my laptop so I have other accounts for other people the only option you can do if someone else wants to use it is to log out which closes everything you where doing is it possible to add an applet or something so I can just change user.
Also its set up to lock after a few minutes of inactivity and my password is needed to log back in as im the person signed in is it possible for it to go back to the login screen so other users can sign in while i am still signed in.

It's part of the base system.
most often used with root, but can be anybody

Sorry only kind of new to linux im guessing I type that in terminal but how do you get to terminal if say I walk away from the computer screen locks and someone else wants to come along to use the computer you cant get to terminal and cant login without my password

Disable screensaver - that would keep the desktop on and everyone can use it.
Would be an issue though if someone decides to reboot.

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Can I change users without logging out
 

yeah switch in switch out from menu not screensaver unless new update to switch from screensaver

Yes,that's possible : go to ----> Applications>system>new login
that's all :)