When you get done working on your Windows based computer for the day, you have several options other than just shutting her down. Here options you may not be aware of or use very often.
Switch User
This allows you to remain logged in and your programs continue to be open, but choosing this option allows another user to access your computer and potentially your personal stuff.
Log Off
This option lets you end your Windows session, save your info, and quit programs, but Windows remains on and ready for other people to use it.
Lock
This is not a complete logout this option helps you protect your stuff by displaying the Windows login screen. You will need to type your password or login a different way. Of course, you need to set a password for this to work.
Restart
Many use this when something goes haywire or the computer starts running slowly. This option will shut your system completely down, clear all the memory, and then automatically start it back up. You can also think of it as a reset.
Sleep
This puts your computer into a low power consumption mode, saving the all important energy. This is sometimes thought of as standby. It places your computer and will allow it to come back quickly.
Hibernate
This is the best power saving mode. It will shut the computer somewhat off but information in memory is retained. When you bring it back out of its beauty sleep, you can pick up right where you left off. This option saves the most power but also requires the most time to recuperate.
Shut Down or Turn Off
This is rather self explanatory and shuts the computer completely. It will clear all of your volatile memory and shut all programs off. When your turn it back on you start at the beginning of a new session.
Some of you may find all this info rather elementary, but many still don’t know exactly what all the options mean or what they do. You can also set some of these options to happen automatically depending on things like how long your computer has been setting dormant. Check them out and we will discuss the settings in another article.