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Post by Geoff on May 1, 2008 23:57:33 GMT
I've just been reflecting on the messages I've posted regarding my log-on problem. I see I have not been consistent in my reference to the problem, specifically, in my use of logon, log on, and log-on. I think I have also alternated between referring to logon, log on, and log-on and login, log in, and log-in. Which of these is the noun and which of these is the verb, and is there any difference between logging in and logging on?
The question should also be extended to logout, log out, and log-out.
This is somewhat akin to the distinction between every day and everyday, between in store and instore, and between give away and giveaway, pairs which I see misused quite often in signage and advertising brochures and catalogues.
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Post by Paul Doherty on May 2, 2008 1:26:25 GMT
I'd say log on, log in, and log out are verbs, and logon, login, and logout are adjectives.
- Please log on now
- When you see the logout screen ...
If you log in, you should log out -- and if you log on, you should log off. I feel in/out is the more common (and more modern) usage; possibly on/off harks back more to the old mainframe days.
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Post by Dave M on May 2, 2008 7:57:16 GMT
I'm not sure which I use, when - it's one of those things for hwich the memories evaporate when you try to decide - but I do feel there's a possible difference between log on and log in. (It's a difference that I've only just decided might exist, so not one that many people are likely to follow consciously!)
I'd log IN to get access to something - for example to an online banking service, to check my bank balance.
I'd log ON when I'm expecting to stay there in a live, continuous sense - as I do when arriving at work, and expecting to be "on line" (not, note, IN line) for the rest of the work day.
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Post by Sue M-V on May 2, 2008 13:13:35 GMT
Oooh, Dave, you are so analytical!
I tend to say "log in" and "log out", but you may ignore that, since I'm not a PC-person. To me a computer is just a glorified typewriter-cum-encyclopaedia.
Sue
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Post by Tone on May 2, 2008 20:35:06 GMT
possibly on/off harks back more to the old mainframe days.Oh blissful (?) memories.  Tone
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Post by Dave on May 3, 2008 14:29:35 GMT
Two of my banks use Sign on and Sign off and another uses Login and Logoff for their on-line services. This forum's registration process used log in and log into, but I didn't see a log out of!
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