Lock, Log Off, Restart, Shut Down

Overview

This page offers guidance to faculty and staff regarding when and how to Lock, Log Off, Restart or Shut Down seminary computers running Windows XP. All four options prevent unauthorized access.

Although Log Off, Restart and Shut Down prompt you to save your work and close your programs, it is advised to do this manually for best results.

Lock

Lock your computer when you temporarily step away from it. Lock leaves you logged on to your computer and leaves your programs running. This is a quick way to prevent others from viewing your display or tampering with your computer in your absence.

• Save your work as a general precaution. Leave programs and documents open if you wish.
• Save and close any shared documents, such as a spreadsheet others may want to change.
• To Lock: Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and choose Lock
• To Unlock: Press Ctrl+ Alt + Del and enter your password

Log Off

Log Off your computer to allow a different person to log on, or when you want to log on under a different user account.

• Faster than restarting. However, log off does not refresh computer memory. Restart is a better option in this respect.
• Leaves your computer at the login prompt, which is useful for remote maintenance and updating of your computer.
• To Log off: Save and close documents, close programs, then
• Click Start, click Log Off.

Restart

Restart your computer at the end of each weekday Monday through Thursday. Please leave it on and connected to the network or docking station.

• Restarting refreshes the memory of your computer and leaves it on, at the login prompt, ready for:
• Antivirus and other software updates may run weeknights, remotely maintaining computers that are on and connected.
• Computers run in power-saving mode when left unattended, minimizing power use.
• Restarting can be an important basic troubleshooting step. It is not always the first step in resolving computer problems.
• To Restart: Save and close documents, close programs, then,
• Click Start, choose Shut Down, then choose Restart in the dropdown list, click OK.

Shut Down

• Please Shut Down laptops before docking and before undocking. Your network and internet access may not function properly, and other problems may occur, if you dock or undock your laptop while it is running.
• It is not advisable to shut down during installation of software programs or system updates. You may be given the option to install updates before Shut Down, which sometimes takes a while.
  • Shut Down may offer an option to install important software updates before shutting down.
  • If you are offered this, and you are pressed for time, you may choose to shut down without installing the updates.
  • It is not advisable to delay installing updates unless necessary. You may be prompted to install the updates the next time you shut down, or your computer may install the updates silently.
• Shut down laptops for general safety and security while being transported.
• Shut down faculty and staff computers over the weekend to save energy. Remote updates are not installed on the weekends so it is not necessary to leave them turned on.
• To Shut Down: Save and close documents, close programs, then
• Click Start, choose Shut Down, then choose Shut Down in the dropdown list, click OK.

Monitors and Speakers

Turning off monitors is optional. Monitors go into a power saving mode when not in use. Speakers may also be turned off every night.

Printers

Turning off personal printers is optional. Printers go into a power saving mode when not in use.

Network printers may be turned off over the weekend also. It may take up to 15 minutes before users can print to them after they are turned back on.