What type of access requires configuring user accounts on each machine?

Peer-to-peer access is characterized by a decentralized network where each computer (or node) can act as both a client and a server. In this setup, users need to configure their accounts and permissions individually on each machine because there is no central server managing user accounts or permissions. Each peer in the network is responsible for its own user access control, which means users must establish accounts and ensure file or resource sharing settings on all devices involved in the network.

This requirement to set up and manage user accounts individually is a defining feature of peer-to-peer networks. This contrasts with client/server access, where a central server manages user authentication and permissions, making it simpler for users as they need only manage their credentials on the server. Cloud storage access often relies on account management handled by a service provider, making local configuration unnecessary. Distributed access similarly uses centralized management through networks, which avoids the need for local account configurations on every machine involved.