Is it Better to leave my computer on all the time than closing?

Answer 1

Modern computers are designed to be left on 24/7. Rebooting is required (if your running windows) but your computer will last longer if left powered on all the time. Maybe turn it off when on vacation or something like that, but not normally.

Answer 2

A computer uses a fair amount of electricity (most desktops today have a 250+W power supply, equal to two/three bright light bulbs). However, as far as what is better for the computer, leave it on. In theory, most of the components on a computer could run almost indefinitely. Only the drive components (hard disk, CD, etc.) and fans have parts that can wear out. When not in use, the hard drive will spin down. The only wearable component that keeps running is the fan (and even that not necessarily all the time ). However, turning the computer on and off surges the electrical components. The power supply keeps power flowing at smoothe easy pace when it's running. But when you turn the power on, there is an initial surge. This can cause "wear" and create problems with electrical components. I read a study a few years ago done in Germany that said the most cost effective thing for businesses was to leave all computers on during week nights, but turn them off from Friday night to Monday morning when comparing hardware failure to electricity costs. I was looking for the study again but couldn't find it. Sorry.

Answer 3

Here are the arguments... apparently, there is no widespread agreement. My vote is 'leave it on if you use it every day'.

OFF: Computer is under electrical and thermal stress while turned on (this is true). Component aging doubles every 10 degress C, and an ON computer is a hot computer.

ON: Damage is caused by large temperature fluxations which cause mechanical stresses on electronic components as they expand and shrink. This happens when you turn stuff on and off, and it too is true.

It is a tradeoff for which will cause the most damage and that tradeoff will depend on your usage patterns. Extreme examples:

If you used it one day every 3 weeks, it would be least stressful to turn it off when not in use.

If you use it a few times a day, leave it on.

Somehwere in between - you are on your own,

Answer 4

Consider the power usage. If your system goes to sleep properly, your monitor shoul also switch off. That component uses the most electicity. If your processor aren't working hard, your fans can quiet down also. The advantage, of cours, is not having to wait for your system to reboot.

Security may be an issue, but if you have good protections in place that is less of a worry. A lot of my security updated take place overnight, so I'm not bothered by a lot of reminder messages while I'm working.

I have my home system on almost five days a week and shut down Friday and Saturday nights. I ALWAYS shut down if I don't anticipate using the system for even a day or so.

Answer 5

it depends on what kind of computer you have. When booting up, look for the Energy Star logo on the screen. Even if not much, this will save a LITTLE bit of money electricity-wise. If you look at a computer like a vehicle, starting it up alot isn't very good, and it does use a bit more energy to start up..but if you don't use it for extended periods of time, then it might be best to turn it off. You definitely need to reboot sometimes, to install updates; normally Windows will tell you when you need to.

Answer 6

If you are using windows, then yes. You should restart the computer once in a while. Restart is needed in order to clear some of the memory and erase things that can stay in the system if not restarted. Also, if you don't restart once in a while the computer can crash, so youll have to restart anyways. The best option is to leave computer in hybernate, its almost like restarting the computer. But still, you'll need to restart once in a while. But you can put in hybernate, which works just as good when closing it.

Answer 7

Like everything else, a computer needs a rest.

Occasionally close your computer in the normal way, switch off your broadband at the modem and then switch off the mains supply to the computer.

After a short time, restart by switching on the mains first, then the computer itself together with the broadband modem.

Answer 8

I leave my on all the time. It's actually better because failures happened during start up. Computers are machines and DON'T need rest.

Answer 9

Yes, and if your computer has nothing else to do, find some useful work for it to do. Your computer can help find a cure for a disease, solve mathematical problems or search for little green men.

My computers all run 24/7

Answer 10

On. Same thing as flying in an airplane, they pretty much only fail when taking off or landing. Computers also tend to fail much more frequently when coming up or shutting down.