2006-11-30 10:24:47 · 25 answers · asked by boom* 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Best to turn off for a number of reasons.
Save electricity
Prolong life of components within the computer
Certain items will need refreshing which is done during reboot
I'm in charge of a PVC mixing plant, the control PC's that handle large amounts of information the automated operations are on most of the time because they are needed for production. With time they slow down until a point comes where it is unbearably slow and the operator decides to reboot, which resolves the problem.
More chance for hackers to gain access if you are connected to net.
Within my company all non productive computers must be switched off since if left on and unattended they can be fire hazards
etc etc
2006-11-30 10:31:55 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Depends what you mean by "best". Best for you or your hardware?
There are theories that leaving your computer on increases the lifetime of your components as they are not subject to cyclic heating and cooling ( and spinning up/down in the case of hard-drives ) and are instead maintained at a ( semi ) constant temperature. Those some argue otherwise. It may be important to note that Linux is designed to be shutdown and/or rebooted extremely infrequently ( like after obtaining/compiling a new kernel )
Most people find that turning it on when you first need it and turning it off when you last use it before sleep is appropriate usage ( though it may depend on anything happening in between ).
2006-11-30 10:32:06 · answer #2 · answered by xyem2004 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Whatever you decide to do, disconnect from the internet when you're not browsing. If you're not connected you can't be hacked:)
You'll save more money in electricity bills by switching off than you'll gain in 'added' life to the componants by leaving it on.
Plus Windows is designed to do some housekeeping when its idle, and some when it reboots. So we switch ours on in the morning when we first want to use it, and turn it off at night.
Remember to use a proper power surge protector. (Not a cheap extension cable 'with added surge protection'!) You can get a basic Belkin that protects the pc and modem for a tenner from Curry's.
2006-11-30 20:41:35 · answer #3 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This question really depends on your use. I personally havent turned off my machine for more than a year now, it works fine. Though if you are going to keep it on overnight every night then make sure you have adequate cooling for it, it can get really hot and burn up. If you have air conditioning at home or if the weather outside is normally cool it should be ok. Also make sure you dont have it near windows or doors or wherever you expect a lot of dust.
Apart from that regular cleaning up inside the box for dust should be enough. If you are not doing anything with it overnight then its better to turn it off.
Though i am sure you would get a lot of conflicting answers to this question
2006-11-30 10:31:44 · answer #4 · answered by Frank F 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
On is a fire hazard, plugged in they could be hit by a lightening strike during the night, the risk is yours.
They also consume power if left on, the cost is yours.
Some upgrades require a reboot, that can often be left until you turn it off at night.
2006-11-30 15:15:36 · answer #5 · answered by Martin14th 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
turn it off if u are on line and are not using it Ur computer can get attacked up to 50 times a night with viruses
2006-12-04 09:34:00 · answer #6 · answered by chris n 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend leaving on, with power options modified. 80-90% of all system failures occur on startup. So if you cut down on this you will preserve the system longer.
Only real moving parts in the pc are HDD, Fans which are earily replaceable.
2006-12-01 04:12:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Doesn't really matter the technology used these days.
Leave it on, and there is the possibilities of damage from overheating of a component.
Turn it off, and it cools down. But, when you turn it on, you may cause possible damage to your components, from a temporary voltage spike.
Your choice!
2006-11-30 10:31:32 · answer #8 · answered by John W 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I leave mine on 24-7 only exceptions is if I'm going to be away for longer than a week. I never have problems with over heating, i don't have any fancy coolant systems, my tower is less than a metre away from the radiator also =)
2006-11-30 10:39:41 · answer #9 · answered by matt151091 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
ive always been told to turn it off at night , so i do , have done for 6 years now
2006-12-01 00:21:26 · answer #10 · answered by annewithafan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋