In computing, a login session is the period of activity between a user
logging in and
logging out
In computer security, logging in (or logging on, signing in, or signing on) is the process by which an individual gains access to a computer system or program by identifying and authenticating themselves.
Typically, user credentials c ...
of a (multi-user)
system
A system is a group of interacting or interrelated elements that act according to a set of rules to form a unified whole. A system, surrounded and influenced by its open system (systems theory), environment, is described by its boundaries, str ...
.
On
Unix
Unix (, ; trademarked as UNIX) is a family of multitasking, multi-user computer operating systems that derive from the original AT&T Unix, whose development started in 1969 at the Bell Labs research center by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, a ...
and
Unix-like
A Unix-like (sometimes referred to as UN*X, *nix or *NIX) operating system is one that behaves in a manner similar to a Unix system, although not necessarily conforming to or being certified to any version of the Single UNIX Specification. A Uni ...
operating systems, a login session takes one of two main forms:
* When a
textual user interface is used, a login session is represented as a
kernel session — a collection of
process groups with the logout action managed by a
session leader.
* Where an
X display manager is employed, a login session is considered to be the lifetime of a designated user process that the display manager invokes.
On
Windows NT
Windows NT is a Proprietary software, proprietary Graphical user interface, graphical operating system produced by Microsoft as part of its Windows product line, the first version of which, Windows NT 3.1, was released on July 27, 1993. Original ...
-based systems, login sessions are maintained by the kernel and control of them is overseen by the
Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSA).
winlogon responds to the
secure attention key, it requests the LSA to create login sessions on login, and terminates all of the processes belonging to a login session on logout.
See also
*
Booting process of Windows NT
*
Architecture of Windows NT
The architecture of Windows NT, a line of operating systems produced and sold by Microsoft, is a layered design that consists of two main components, user mode and kernel mode. It is a preemptive, reentrant multitasking operating system, whi ...
*
Booting
In computing, booting is the process of starting a computer as initiated via Computer hardware, hardware such as a physical button on the computer or by a software command. After it is switched on, a computer's central processing unit (CPU) h ...
*
Master boot record
A master boot record (MBR) is a type of boot sector in the first block of disk partitioning, partitioned computer mass storage devices like fixed disks or removable drives intended for use with IBM PC-compatible systems and beyond. The concept ...
*
Power-on self-test
A power-on self-test (POST) is a process performed by firmware or software routines immediately after a computer or other digital electronic device is powered on.
POST processes may set the initial state of the device from firmware and detec ...
*
BootVis
Further reading
*
Operating system technology
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