Shutting Down, Logging Off, and Rebooting
When you are done using your computer (or would like to reboot for some reason), click the Kmenu -> Log Out... and you will see a box similar to:
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Shutting Down
If you would like to shut down (turn off) the computer, click the Turn Off Computer button. You will see a similar screen to the Cliffs image that we saw during bootup. It is now shutting down, and when it is done, it will turn off the computer (unless you use a power switch rather than a button, then you'll have to shut it off manually).
Rebooting
If you would like to reboot your computer for some reason (perhaps you recently installed a newer kernel), click the Restart computer, and we will see the Cliffs image again for both the shutdown and starting up of the computer.
Logging Off
If you would like to log out, click the End Current Session button. You will be shown the Login screen. Please make sure that you set a password using the instructions at Passwords and User Accounts before logging out!!! Failure to do so before logging out will lock you out of the default arklinux account!!!
Which Option Shall I Choose?
Linux is known for its long uptime -- that is, it's ability to run for days, or even months and years, on end without needing to be shut down or rebooted. That said, there is no harm in rebooting or shutting down.
If you need to shut down for some reason, for example if you want to save power or are afraid of setting your desk on fire (the old CRT (tube) monitors have been known to catch fire if left on too long unattended), then go ahead and shut down.
If you need to reboot for some reason, for example if you recently installed a new kernel or if you were told to do so by our support staff, go ahead and reboot. Otherwise, this option is entirely unnecessary (as mentioned above, Linux is known for its long uptime).
Otherwise, if you have no need to reboot or shut down, logging off is the best option. This is because when you return to your computer next, all you'll need to do is type in your user name and password without needing to completely boot your computer from the start, thus speeding up how fast you can get to actually using your computer.
