Notes About the New Administrative Screensaver

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

19990604: Notes About the New Administrative Screensaver

June/1999
Tech Note #4

As of the Spring 1999 Windows NT Server Prep Update, all administrators now get the logoff screen saver. If you have a server which hangs when this screen saver kicks in, go into Control Panel Desktop, and TEST the screen saver. Don't interrupt the test. It should be fine then.

The purpose of this screensaver is twofold. First of all, it is a benefit for schools who do not have a local administrator. If an area tech accidentally leaves the Tech account logged on, the old logon screensaver would lock the station, and no other account could unlock it. Now, if this happens, the session will simply be ended. Secondly, it is a very bad practice to leave any account logged on to a Windows NT server, but it is particularly bad when it is an administrative account, when the server may not be closely monitored. This screensaver will help reduce the possibility of security breaches.

If you're running the NT Update on a system which is running quite slow, or from which you may be called away, you should set the time-out on the screensaver to the maximum (99 minutes) or turn the screensaver off. If the logoff screensaver activates in the middle of the routine, the system may be left in an undesirable state. This is because the logoff screensaver will terminate all active applications without warning. The logoff screensaver is used for administrative accounts only.

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.

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