UI Terminology: Logon vs Login [closed]

Question

I am crafting an application and cannot decide whether to use the terms Login/out or Logon/off. Is there a more correct option between these two? Should I use something else entirely (like "Sign on/off").

In terms of usability, as long as I am consistent it probably doesn't matter which terms I choose, but I did wonder about the origins of the terms - and whether one or another makes more grammatical sense. I also care deeply about the application I am creating, and want to take the time to investigate all aspects of its user experience.

Answer 1

Logon is used for a hardware system that starts up when used, like a computer.

Login is used for a software system where I have to enter my username and password.

Signin is used for identification, either physical such as a photo ID, or digital such as OpenID. What differs here from login is that in the case of an ID, I can use the same ID to access multiple sites, buildings, etc.

Edit 1: I should've added a disclaimer that I have no sources and make no guarantee that these are the official usage of the words. The definitions I'm offering about are based on my personal understanding of the usage, and are purely opinion.

Answer 2

I have to say, that I looked into that Q and usually: Login, Logon, Logoff or Log in, Log on, Log off are used in applied applications.

Such verbs & nouns like Sign in, Join, Sign out, Sign up are more used in web applications, but as it was said earlier it all comes down to personal preference...

Answer 3

Microsoft's framework design guidelines recommmend using "LogOn" rather than "LogIn" but "SignIn" rather than "SignOn" (see rule CA1726 from FxCop's code analysis). Granted this is talking about framework/API naming conventions, but it's worth putting out there for people to consider.

Answer 4

If only all problems were so easy to solve as trying to decide which grammar is "more correct". I think this is one of those that comes down to personal preference...

I personally prefer Login/Logout, but I know lots of software that uses Logon/Logoff.

Answer 5

with spaces:
http://google.com/trends?q="log in","log on","sign in","sign on"
winner: "sign in"

no spaces:
http://google.com/trends?q=login,logon,signin,signon
winner: login

spaces vs no spaces:
http://google.com/trends?q="sign in",login
winner: login

---

with spaces:
http://google.com/trends?q="log out","log off","sign out","sign off"
winner: "log off"

no spaces:
http://google.com/trends?q=logout,logoff,signout,signoff
winner: logout

spaces vs no spaces:
http://google.com/trends?q="log off",logout
winner: logout

Answer 6

I think is better to use sign in, sign out, because itcan be used with sign up(means register). But doesnt exist log up.