By default when you start up Windows XP you will receive the "Welcome Screen". Each account then has an image next to the name etc...
If you have ever used a PC with Windows 2000 Professional then you will have used the "Logon Screen"
This same screen is an option to users of Windows XP. Here the user types in both the account name and password into a small dialog box.
I personally prefer the "Log On" screen - (NB - If you are using Windows XP Professional on a "domain" based network then the "Welcome Screen" is not an option for you to use...)
If you wish to turn off the "Welcome Screen"
1) Start > Control Panel > User Accounts
2) Select "Change the way users log on or off"
3) Uncheck the "Welcome Screen" option
4) Click "Apply Options"
5) The settings will take effect when you log off.
The "Log On" option also changes the way "Ctrl Alt Del" works...
Under the "Welcome Screen" option you are taken into the "Task Manager" dialog box.
Under the "Log On Screen" you are given the Windows Security dialog box, which gives you far more options!
The "Log On Screen" also renames "Turn Off Computer" on the Start menu to "Shut Down".
The other main feature you get is the ability to log on to ANY user account, whereas under the "Welcome Screen" you can NOT access hidden users.
So, as you can see there are benefits to using the "Log On Screen" over the "Welcome Screen" option.
