It is always safer to log off if you have to leave your terminal for a while. If the computer you are using has some kind of a program to lock your terminal, that is usually as safe as logging off. On some computers, a clever person can give himself total access to your account just in the half a minute you left your terminal alone. Potholes in your path Accidentally giving offense A very small pothole, but one people seem to fall into once in a while, is in mail. I have seen people start typing their message right there.
Results can be anywhere from funny to outright scary.
In one boo-boo, a person sent the system administrator a very naughty story about the Brady Bunch by making exactly this mistake. Luckily the sysadmin has a good sense of humor and wasn't offended. Someone else might have been. So be careful and watch those prompts. As we all know, everyone reads the news information for new users.