When you're finished using your computer, you want to be sure that you don't leave it in a condition in which others can use your credentials to access your files. To do that, you need to log off, switch users, or lock your computer:

• Log Off: With this option, all your programs close and dial-up connections are ended. To log off, click the arrow in the lower right corner of the Start menu and click Log Off.


• Switch User: With this option (sometimes called Fast User Switching), your programs continue to run. Your account is still logged on, but (if it's protected by a password) only you can return to your session. To switch users, click the arrow in the lower right corner of the Start menu and click Switch User. This takes you to the Welcome screen, where you can click the name of the account you want to switch to.


• Lock: With this option, your programs continue to run, but the logon screen appears so that no one can see your desktop or use the computer. Only you can unlock the computer to return to your session; however, other users can log on in their own sessions without disturbing yours. To lock a computer, click the arrow in the lower right corner of the Start menu and click Lock.