Log off from Windows NT

When you log off from Windows NT in the proper way, you make it possible to update the software on your PC. This document explains how to do this.

Your PC, or better the Windows NT operating system, can be in several states: When you see the following window:

your pc is in a state in which you can log in. It also is the state in which you should leave your pc when you leave work. After pressing the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys simultaneously the following window appears:

you can now log on in the usual way. After doing this you will see the following button in the left bottom part of your screen:

When you click this button the start menu appears:

If you now choose the "Shut Down" option a new window appears. On this window are three "radio" buttons followed by the texts: "Shut down the computer ?", "Restart the computer ?" and "Close all programs and log as a different user?". You can now choose how to log off.

If you choose the radio button followed by: "Close all programs and log on as a different user ?"

and after this you click "Yes", your computer will return to the state with the login screen showing the "Begin login" windows as shown above. This is the correct choice. If you choose "Restart the computer" the end result will be the same under normal conditions However, if you now choose the "Shut down the computer ?" option:

(often after some time) the following window appears:

When you desire the software on your pc to be updated, this is NOT the right choice.

Another way of logging off is pressing the Ctrl, Alt en Delete keys simultaneously while you are logged in The following window will then appear:

The button with the text "Lock Workstation" is NOT the right choice. You will remain logged in and updating your software will not be possible. When you choose this option the following window will be showed:

If you choose the button with the text "Logoff" you will be shown a window warning you your Windows session will end. This choice will bring your PC in the right state.

A last choice is leaving your pc behind as it is (do nothing and go away). Not only will it be impossible to update your software, you are taking a security risk doing this: anybody entering your room will have access to all the resources and information on your computer and the part of the network you have access to.

In summary: DO log off, but do NOT shutdown your pc.