- Logging In
- Your First Login
- Anatomy of a Desktop
- KDE and GNOME Desktops
- The Panel
- Working on the Desktop
- Configuring the Desktop
- Changing the KDE Background
- Changing the GNOME Background
- Setting Fonts
- Setting the Screen Saver
- Organizing the Desktop
- Changing the Panel Location and Size
- Configuring Multiple Virtual Desktops
- Logging Out
- Summary
Logging Out
Powering off your machine without logging out and shutting down properly can cause problems. Linux may be in the middle of some background activities necessary to run your computer and may not be able to finish its tasks.
To log out, select Log Out on the main menu or on the desktop menu displayed when you right-click on the desktop. In most cases, a window with at least three choices displays, similar to the SuSE window shown in Figure 6-20.
Figure 6-20 SuSE logout window.
One choice is usually Log Out, or in this case Login as different user. Selecting this choice logs out this session, but displays a login screen so you can log in as a different user (or with a different desktop). Linux is not shut down. A second choice restarts (reboots) the computer. Linux is shut down but restarts itself without your assistance.
A third choice is Shut Down, or Turn off computer. This closes down everything. The computer may power itself off or display a message that it is ready to be powered off.
Power down is not necessary. Linux can run indefinitely without problems. It saves you the trouble of the shutdown/boot process between uses. Saves time and some say it is better for the computer. If you are reluctant to leave the computer on because it’s possible for someone else to access it, you can lock the screen so that no one can use it without the password. To lock the screen, select Lock screen from the main menu. If anyone tries to use the computer with a locked screen, a password prompt displays and the computer can’t be used until the password is entered.