If you disconnect from a remote desktop without logging off, applications in the remote desktop might remain open. You can also disconnect from a server and leave published applications running.
You can log off from a remote desktop even if you do not have the remote desktop open. This feature has the same result as sending Ctrl+Alt+Del to the remote desktop and then clicking Log Off.
Note: The Windows key combination Ctrl+Alt+Del is not supported in remote desktops. Instead, select
from the menu bar. Alternatively, press Fn-Control-Option-Delete on an Apple keyboard.