TECH TALK: LOG OFF OR REBOOT?

Jill Potter, Headquarters

If you have ever phoned Fresno Library Tech Support for a computer related problem at your branch you will probably be asked to either REBOOT or LOG OFF the computer.

So what is the difference between LOG OFF and REBOOT?

LOG OFF:
Log Off means to end a session at the computer. A session is the time spent logged in or using a specific profile on a computer. To LOG OFF of a session, click on START and click LOG OFF. You can also hit Ctrl-Alt-Delete and select LOG OFF.

REBOOT:
Reboot means to restart a computer. To reboot your computer, click on START and click SHUT DOWN and select RESTART from the drop down menu. Sometimes a simple REBOOT will fix the problem and you should try this troubleshooting technique before calling Tech Support.

If you can’t perform a REBOOT using the Start Menu button because of a “frozen” mouse or keyboard, then you can perform a HARD BOOT. This is achieved by pressing and holding the main power button on the computer tower until the power goes off and the computer shuts down. Wait for about a minute then press the button again and wait for the computer to boot up back to the Ctrl-Alt-Delete screen is on the monitor.