Why does computer log out when it not inactive

Question

Why does computer log out when it not inactive

This has been bugging me since Tiger. I like it when my computer logs out when I and it are doing nothing. But I don't like it when it logs out when I am rendering a movie, watching a DVD or listening to iTunes. It would seem the log out function would be smart enough to know while I am not doing anything but watching or listening or the computer doing tasks. If the computer is doing something it should not log out. Is this rocket science? Yes I know I can stop the log out process in preferences, but that is a pain in the butt. Is OS X really that dumb it can not tell when I am running a program and not log out, or am I missing something?

Rachael

Posted on Jul 10, 2014 10:45 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,535 points

Jul 11, 2014 8:42 AM in response to Rachael Jellicoe

Yes, it is really that dumb. The idle timeout is based on user input, not background activity.

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Answer 2

Jul 11, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Linc Davis

Linc,

Thanks for the confirmation. Would be nice if there was a work around. But as before, I guess we just have to put up with more stupidity from Apple 😠

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Jul 11, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Rachael Jellicoe

Rachael Jellicoe wrote:

This has been bugging me since Tiger. I like it when my computer logs out when I and it are doing nothing. But I don't like it when it logs out when I am rendering a movie, watching a DVD or listening to iTunes.

You mean it locks the screen, not logs you out.

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Answer 4

Jul 11, 2014 10:40 AM in response to Chris CA

Chris,

No, the computer stops what apps are running and returns to the log on screen, requiring me to log on again and restart the app. When rendering a movie I have to move the mouse before the 30 timer runs out.

Rachael

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,535 points

Jul 11, 2014 10:50 AM in response to Rachael Jellicoe

Most likely, you don't need the idle login timeout. Locking the screen provides adequate security for any purpose I know of.

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Answer 6

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Jul 11, 2014 11:51 AM in response to Rachael Jellicoe

Okay.

Yeah, I turned that off as I keep iTunes running and the AppleTV needs iTunes running to use the library.

I just set the screen to lock after 15 minutes.

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Answer 7

Jul 11, 2014 1:08 PM in response to Chris CA

Chris,

Ok if I understand this once the screen saver starts, it should lock the screen if I set it to require a password immediately. I have turned off the auto log out. But the instructions for using Control + Shift + Eject will not lock the screen immediately. I don't know if this is because I am on a Mac Pro and not a laptop.

If I set the require password after the screen saver starts to 30 minutes that should work, I guess I can test this by setting the screen saver to 1 minute and see what happens. I am unable to find how to lock the screen by command.

Thanks Rachael

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Answer 8

Jul 11, 2014 1:15 PM in response to Rachael Jellicoe

Ah, I can lock the screen using a hot corner, and itunes continues to run. Then I can set the auto sleep to like an hour or so in case I go into a coma at my desk and that will put the computer to sleep, I guess

Thanks Rachael

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Answer 9

Chris CA

Level 10

82,434 points

Jul 11, 2014 4:16 PM in response to Rachael Jellicoe

Yep. I use a hot corner also.

Then I can set the auto sleep to like an hour or so in case I go into a coma at my desk and that will put the computer to sleep, I guess

If iTunes is playing a song or you are rendering a movie, the screen saver can come on & lock and the displays can sleep (System prefs > Energy Saver) , but the computer will not sleep.

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