Need better understanding of auto user logoff

Having upgraded from 98 and acquired 3 new comps with XP (all SP2 with auto-updating), I have done away with ZoneAlarm due to the (apparently) good built-in XP SP2 firewall.

Here are my questions:
1) I notice that, by default, XP automatically logs off after a certain amount of inactivity. Are there settings for this somewhere (enable/disable, how much inactivity time before logoff, etc.)?
2) Does being logged off block internet activity - similar to the setable feature in Zone Alarm? It would be good if it does - I liked that feature in Zone Alarm.

Is there any good MS information on this auto logoff so I can better understand what it does and what it does not do, changing settings, etc.

TIA!

 

I may have just answered the first question.

In the screen saver, there is a time setting, and a check box for "On resume password protect ". Is that where it all happens?

And would it be correct to say that when it logs off, all internet activity except the exceptions in the firewall are blocked (just like in Zone Alarm)?

 

Hi peva

Take a look in Control Panel > Power Options and you'll see what XP has to offer in the way of settings for allowing the system to enter Hibernation or Standby modes.

I don't use them myself and keep them set to NEVER. YMMV

I think it's correct that you will be out of touch with the Internet during those periods. Reactivation is user selectable and can include mouse motion or keyboard action. Passwords are not normally required except when using a screensaver that times out and offers that function. That sounds like what you have.

 

I don't know the answer to that but one way to find out is to enable WF logging and then check the log and see if it accepts connections.

Bring up WF and go into the advanced tab > security logging panel > settings and first enable logging by clicking on the "save as" and tick "log succesful connections ". Then you can check the times of those connections.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks SD and CV.

I was thinking the password thing was to require a password to log back in to the last user. But with the info. that you guys have provided, I can play around with it and learn more of how it all works.