windows xp professional authentication process

to gain access to a computer running windows xp professional or to any resource on that computer, whether the computer is configured to use the welcome screen or the log on to windows dialog box, you must provide user name and possibly a password.

how windows xp professional authenticates a user depends on whether the user is logging on to domain or logging on locally to a computer.

access token

• provides user identity and security settings
• enable a user to gain access to resources and perform system tasks