A media server in a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) network includes a
resource sharing service to govern the distribution of media resource
information to rendering devices. The media server includes: a media
service module operating in a clamped down user context (e.g., a local
service user context) and configured to share resource information over
the network; a supplemental module operating in a local system user
context and configured to assist the media service module in sharing
resource information over the network; and a control panel module
operating in a logged on user context and configured to interact with a
user via a user interface display. The local system user context provides
a higher level of access to media server resources compared to the
clamped down user context. The media server also provides fast user
switching (FUS) functionality that allows multiple users to have
respective instances of the control panel module pending at the same
time. Further, the media server includes a mechanism to prevent rogue
applications from masquerading as the control panel module and thereby
gaining unauthorized access to the media service module.