Questions About Logging Off In Windows Xp

I have never had a way to make my system go to the login password screen when I'm not around [To protect my pc from other people in the house]. I never used the "Log Off" button in windows xp because I always thought that it would stop my downloads, slow down my pc, or cause some sort of system instability. I of course do not know if that does happen. I've always simply assumed it does!~ Not only that but I always assumed that logging off causes your system to lose ram??? Call me crazy but yes I've always thought that happens.

Anyways today I was writing a message to a friend in msn messenger when all of a sudden I pressed the wrong keys on my pc keyboard and my desktop quickly disappeared showing just my walllpaper, than it went to the windows xp login screen where you have to use a password to log onto windows. I of course am the administrator of this pc and have no other users assigned to this pc. So during the login screen you can only choose one specific user that has my name [that's me!]. Although I must state that when I start the pc in safe boot mode [which is totally unrelated to what I'm talking about], I see two user accounts:

1. Administrator [<<<<---- Spelled just like that]
2. & than the one with my name

I than googled shortcut keys that may trigger you to go into log off mode. & it turns out the "windows button + L" on your pc keyboard make you go to the windows login screen which is essentially lock mode.

Anyways I'd like to know if I'm right when I state that logging off of windows xp can make my pc slow down, lose ram speed, instability, etc. If not than I will do that when I'm not around from now on. Because I sometimes leave my pc on all night and who knows when someone will try to sneak up and do stuff on it.

Thanks...


Anymore info on logging off of windows xp would be great! Or what exactly happens when you do so... By the way what's the difference between pressing the shortcut keys and doing it from the start menu? Does the start menu do something else?

 

Locking your computer (Windows key + L) simply allows all of your programs, downloads, and etc. to continue running while not allowing anyone without the password to use the computer while you are away.

Logging off closes all downloads and user-started programs and essentially returns your computer to the same state it was when it first booted up and had the logon screen.

In your case, if you have downloads you let complete while you're away from the computer, I would suggest simply locking the computer. Logging off is only necessary if you're going to log onto the computer with another account (no need in your case), so if you're going to log off, you may as well power the computer down and save some money on electricity.