Why does the system log you out so soon...
 

I have lost several messages and edits because of this to this. Not only does the systems log you out if you sit idle for a few minutes, but it acts as if you are still logged in until you are about to post, then one hickup and all is lost.

Sorry for the frustration! BTDT :funmeterno:

The system timeout is 30 minutes of INACTIVITY - as long as you do something within 30 minutes you're still logged in as far as the system is concerned.

However, depending on your security settings, your computer may not allow cookies that long, or at all - in which case you will not stay logged in. Note that the only way any website knows who you are is via cookies, so they must be allowed to use any forum software.

The solution is fortunately simple - just tick the "Remember Me" box when you log in. And then if on a shared computer, remember to LOG OUT when done or the next person to go to the site will still be logged in!
:oops2:

Finally if you have just created the ultimate book-length post - always select it all and copy it to the clipboard before submitting! :) DAMHIK :(

Thank you for your prompt response. Yet the original question remains, why only 30 minutes? Security? If so what kind of vulnerability are longer (say 2 hr) inactivity periods exposing you to? Account hijacking? If so the solution of checking permanent log in would likely expose you more.

Thirty minutes is not really that long to compose a post. Especially for a hunt & peck typer. I often do web/other forum searches as I compose. Sometimes I am typing during program commercial breaks. Other times, I get a phone call.

Yes, Iknow about cut/paste. Any long posts I usually compose "off line."

Hi,

The reason it's 30 minutes is because the default setting for that in the forum software is 15 minutes, and that didn't seem like long enough so I bumped it to 30!

As for why that length - no idea! But I will check it out.

One of the things that is used for is the "who's online" at the moment. If it's set very long it inflates the number of people really on line - and who is online is also inaccurate, so you could for instance PM someone and then wonder why they didn't respond - but they've been offline for an hour!

Other than that, who knows. When I find out I'll post it here, and adjust the time as makes sense.

Don't forget checking the "Remember Me" is fine - so long as you log out.