How to Log off a Computer

Multiple users are can set up their own accounts on the same computer. Just follow these steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Click on the "Start" button on the taskbar.

2. Click the "Log Off" button in the Start Menu.

3. Choose one of the options that appear in the Logoff menu. You can elect to immediately switch to a different user, or you can choose to log off entirely.

4. Switch users to change from one account to another without completely turning off another user's settings. It is important to note that if you want to shut down another user's applications, you must log them off completely, otherwise they will continue to run in the background.

5. Choose the "Log Off" feature to completely turn off your settings and return Windows to a neutral setting. This setting lists the available user accounts.

6. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to bring up the Task Manager. From the Task Manager you have access to a number of other functions for logging off the computer, as well as changing its current status (to "Standby" or "Hibernate," for example). These options are available from the "Shut Down" drop-down menu.

7. Right-click on the taskbar to access the Task Manager. This is a shortcut to the Task Manager, bypassing the Ctrl-Alt-Delete command.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the user icons for the startup screen so that each user has their own distinctive look when they log on to the computer. Windows XP offers a collection of icons that you can choose from at account creation or even after you've established your user account.
• Do not lose your password. If you enable a password for your user accounts, it is a time consuming process to get your password back, since you'll need to prove your identity and begin the process of data recovery.