log in
Computing the process by which a computer user logs in
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
log in
(security)(Or "login", "log on", "logon") To start a
session with a system, usually by giving a user name and
password as a means of user authentication. The term is
also used to mean the ability to access a service (also called
an account), e.g. "Have you been given a login yet?"
"Log in/on" is occasionally misused to refer to starting a session where no authorisation is involved, or to access where there is no session involved. E.g. "Log on to our Web site!"
"login" is also the Unix program which reads and verifies a user's user name and password and starts an interactive session.
The noun forms are usually written as a single word whereas the verb forms are often written as two words.
To end a session is to "log out" or "off".
"Log in/on" is occasionally misused to refer to starting a session where no authorisation is involved, or to access where there is no session involved. E.g. "Log on to our Web site!"
"login" is also the Unix program which reads and verifies a user's user name and password and starts an interactive session.
The noun forms are usually written as a single word whereas the verb forms are often written as two words.
To end a session is to "log out" or "off".
This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)
log in
Signing in and gaining access to a computer, local network server, Web server or to a particular account. The login identifies the user, and a username and password are typically required. Although a password is not mandatory for a user's own computer or mobile device, it is always recommended. See password, username and account.Variations and Spelling
Also called "log on," "sign in" or "sign on," the action of logging in (verb) is spelled with two words: "please log in." However, the process (noun) is one word: "the login." In contrast, to exit the system is to "log out," "log off," "sign out" or "sign off." For example: "be sure to log in" and "her login name is allison77."
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| Right and Wrong Usage |
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| The verb is two words; the noun is one. Many user interface designers are unaware of this distinction. |
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