Restarting and Shutting Down the Computer

If your computer gets stuck, your first task is to close any open programs using one of the previous methods. If you get them all closed, you can then restart. If you can't get a program to close, you can restart using the menu command or by turning off the computer (the last resort).

Restarting with a Command

To try restarting to clear up problems, you can use the Turn Off Computer button on the taskbar. You might also need to restart if you make system changes; restarting puts such changes into effect. If you need to restart, try using the Start menu first:

1.	Click the Start button. tip The Log Off button is used when multiple people use the computer and each has his or her own settings. See Chapter 22, "Setting Up Windows for Multiple Users," for more information on using the Log Off button. Also, from the Turn Off dialog box, you can choose to hibernate the computer to conserve powerjust select the Hibernate button. This is most commonly used for laptops.
2.	Click the Turn Off Computer button. You'll see the various shutdown options (see Figure 4.3). Figure 4.3. You can select to restart or turn off the computer.
3.	Select Restart to restart the computer. The computer is then restarted. This usually clears up your problem.

Restarting by Turning Off the Computer

Sometimes, everything freezes, and you can't use your mouse or the keyboard. In this case, you need to do what is sometimes called a hard reboot. If your computer has a reset button, you can press this button to force the computer to restart. If you do not have a reset button, you need to turn off the computer by pressing the power button. You may have to hold the button for 3 to 5 seconds to get the computer to turn off.

tip

The power button is located in different places on different computers. You might have a reset button and a power button on the front of the computer. You might have only a power button, or the power button might be located on the back of the system unit.

Turn off the computer, wait a few seconds, and then turn the computer back on. Doing so is a last resort, but it does clear out any programs that are not running.

Shutting Down the Computer

To avoid problems, you need to shut down properly before you turn off your computer. Doing so allows Windows XP to perform behind-the-scenes tasks before shutting down. Normally, when you want to turn off your computer, follow this procedure:

tip

Should you turn off your computer each time you are finished? Different people have different opinions. Some think it's best to always turn off the computer. Some turn off just the monitor and the printer. Doing so conserves power and provides some measure of security for power surges. Others leave the computer running. This camp thinks that powering on and off the computer repeatedly degrades the power supply, and that the computer is protected (or should be) from power surges with a surge protector. You should do what is most comfortable for you.

1.	Click the Start button.
2.	Click the Turn Off Computer button.
3.	Select Turn Off. The computer is then shut down.