View source for Research:Session TimeOut - take care

== Long-Term Editing & Session Security ==

To prevent data loss during intensive historical research, this wiki uses several layers of session protection. If you are planning a long editing session without saving, please note the following:

=== 1. Automatic Session Persistence ===
* '''Stay Logged In:''' Always ensure the '''"Keep me logged in"''' box is checked when you sign in. This extends your session for up to 30 days.
* '''Idle Timeout:''' If you do not check that box, the server will log you out after '''1 hour of inactivity'''. Note that "typing" does not count as activity—only clicking "Preview" or "Save" refreshes the timer.

=== 2. Built-in Edit Recovery ===
If you are accidentally logged out or your browser crashes, MediaWiki 1.43 includes an [https://www.mediawiki.org Edit Recovery] feature:
* Your text is automatically backed up to your browser every '''5 seconds'''.
* If you return to a page after a crash, look for a notification at the top of the editor asking if you want to '''"Load your last draft"'''.
* '''Warning:''' This backup is stored in your browser's local cache. Clearing your browser data or switching computers will remove the draft.

=== 3. Emergency Recovery (If Session Expires During Save) ===
If you click "Save" and the wiki asks you to log in again, your edits may appear lost. Follow these steps:
# '''Do not close the window.'''
# Use your browser’s '''Back button'''. In most modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), the text you typed will still be in the text box.
# '''Copy all text''' (Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C) immediately.
# Log in in a '''new browser tab'''.
# Return to the original page, refresh, and paste your text back in.

=== 4. Best Practices for Researchers ===
# '''Use the Preview Button:''' Clicking "Show preview" every 20-30 minutes ensures your session remains active on the server.
# '''External Drafts:''' For extremely long entries, consider drafting in a local text editor and pasting the final version into the wiki.
# '''Check Login Status:''' If you have been away from your computer for a while, open a new tab and go to the wiki home page to check if you are still logged in before clicking "Save" on your original edit tab.

[[Category:ICT Instructions]]