Logon boot Password Question?

Question

I just set a password for my one and only username for XP. The only feature I wanted out of this was to be able to lock up the PC hitting Win+L. Now, when I boot up up it asks for the password needed to log in. Perfectly normal. BUT.. Lets say I booted my PC up knowing I wasn't going to log in right away.. Now.. With the computer on the logon screen waiting for me to type in my password.. Are there any running processes running in the background as well? Is the internet connected also?(On cable modem). Could it be possibly a security issue by leaving it on the logon screen without being fully booted and your security apps 100% up and running?

Or does all this really not matter because the OS is not UP yet nor connected to the internet?


Sounds like a stupid question, but i'm just so curious.

Thanks in advance,

Dominick

Answer 1

The OS is up and the network is operational and accepting connections. Nothing in your user startup group has begun processing until you log in, however, all global startups visible in MSCONFIG as will as registry defined startups are already running.

Oddly enough, most AntiVirus/Spy programs run on behalf of your user account, and you are NOT PROTECTED as well when your computer is waiting for an interactive login.

You are always at risk with your system booted.

Answer 2

When I do this on Win2000 it shows to be connected to the internet and my virus-software is scaning the system. Now as far as being a security risk, I really can not say. But, there are things running in the Background such as processes.

Answer 3

You want the network secure login option.

try this...
start
run
then type control userpasswords2
that will pull up a userpasswords screen
click on advanced and check the users must hit control+alt+delete

that will give you the option you want.

btw i just put in a space to make sure you knew what to type..
you want to type "control userpasswords2" but do not include teh " "