Which is better? Leaving your computer on or turning it off every night and on everyday. Can you explain why?

Answer 1

Hi BigoleChickenButtButtWhoo,

You know that there's two different views on this. A lot of people like leaving the computer on. I've always heard that their excuse is that turning on the computer is hard on the hardware.

I've also heard from the other view that your hard drive keeps spinning and it only has so many spins in it. Plus, there is also a slight danger of electrical spikes that can effect electronics that are left on. I had a laser printer burn out on me from leaving it on overnight, so I believe in turning everything off at the end of the day. But, that's just me.

In truth, computers seem to be able to handle it, which ever you choose. Do what ever you feel comfortable with.

--Rick

Answer 2

DBG, JRM, rickrudge and Ben have the best answers. I used to leave my computers an all the time with no problems. But now the cost of electricity has definitely become a fairly large factor, especially if you have several computers. In the long run, I feel that it's better to turn them off, especially if you are running Windows. A fresh reboot helps keep some of the clutter down and may identify pending hardware and software problems earlier. SomeDay 061128

Answer 3

One of the responders (above) has got it right: computers generate heat. Not only computers do it, all electrical and electronic products do. The thing that causes them to fail the most is temperature change: switching on and off.

But there's a trade-off.

If your computer goes to sleep and/or shuts down after a certain period if it's not being used, then it's probably advisable to leave it on. If yours is less sophisticated and runs all the time when it's not being used, then maybe it's better to switch it off.

The amount of time involved is also important, as is the number of times you expect to use your computer during the day. As a simple rule-of-thumb I'd say if you expect to be away from the machine for more than two hours: turn it off. Especially at night. Or if you use your machine periodically more than four times a day: leave it on.

If you're like me and have an iMac G5 Duo, the machine takes care of itself. You can leave it on all the time. I DO switch off the DSL modem at night, however. No sense tempting fate.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I run my desktop computer twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (07) days a week, and have even left it on while I was away on vacation.

In fact, if your computer is equipped with a web camera, you can leave it broadcasting while you're away, which is a good way for you to monitor your home security.

The main reason I never shut off my computer is because I use it to constantly analyze data collected from Deep Space, which is coordinated by the University of California at Berkeley in support of the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (i.e., S.E.T.I.).

No, I can't see any problem with never shutting your computer off.

I've been told that you can't do that with a notebook computer, because they get too hot.

But, for just a few dollars, you can buy a cooling pad from Wal-Mart, and with one of those, I think you probably could safely operate a notebook computer around the clock.

Answer 5

I prefer to leave mine running all the time for two reasons:

1. Computers generate a lot of heat, so turning them on and off causes the internal parts to heat up and expand and then cool off and contract. All this expanding and contracting can cause cracks in your hardware (motherboard, video card, etc.) which will cause system failure.

2. I don't like to have to wait for my computer to boot up. I want to use it NOW! lol

Answer 6

if you are going to be away for a very long time, I'd say you should turn your computer off. It would save you energy and things that didn't download well, if you turn it off and then turn it back on, it might fix itself ^_^

Answer 7

if i've got been u i wouldn´t tolerate one in all those habit from everyone. u proportion premises u could be polite and civil to a minimum of one yet another. i understand she demands u to apply a lamp, yet different - if she makes a noise u tell her to give up it. yet perhaps u re additionally demanding for her and she or he makes all of it on purpose. why does she use an air freshner? do u stink? do u not take known showers? I even have by no ability considered human beings beginning using air fresheners all of a sudden

Answer 8

My techno-bro told me to leave it running so as not to have centripedal force acting on the hard drive repeatedly.

Answer 9

turn it off because it consumes too much electricity...

Answer 10

what a nerdlinger question...