1-23LESSON 4 LOGGING ON AND OFF WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONALXP PROFESSIONAL...

1-23Lesson 4 Logging On and Off Windows XP Professional

XP Professional authenticates the user’s identity during the logon process. Only valid

users can access resources and data on a computer or a network. Windows XP Profes-

sional authenticates users who log on locally to the computer at which they are seated;

a domain controller authenticates users who log on to a domain.

F01US07.eps

Figure 1-7

Use the Log On To Windows dialog box in domains or as an alternative to the Welcome

screen.

When a user starts a computer running Windows XP Professional that is configured to

use the Log On To Windows dialog box, an Options button also appears. Table 1-1

describes the options in the Log On To Windows dialog box for a computer that is part

of a domain.

Table 1-1

Log On To Windows Dialog Box Options

Option Description

User Name A unique user logon name that is assigned by an administrator. To log on

to a domain with the user name, the user must have an account that

resides in the directory.

Password The password that is assigned to the user account. Users must enter a

password to prove their identity. Passwords are case sensitive. For secu-

rity purposes, the password appears on the screen as asterisks (*). To pre-

vent unauthorized access to resources and data, users must keep

passwords secret.

Log On To Allows the user to choose to log on to the local computer or to log on to

the domain.

Log On Using

Permits a user to connect to a domain server by using dial-up networking.

Dial-Up Connection

Dial-up networking allows a user to log on and perform work from a

remote location.

Shutdown Closes all files, saves all operating system data, and prepares the com-

puter so that a user can safely turn it off.

Options Toggles on and off between the Log On To option and the Log On Using

Dial-Up Connection option. The Options button appears only if the com-

puter is a member of a domain.