2007-02-02 07:37:03 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
When HD's for desktops was invented they had a problem. When you turned off the computer the read head might strike the disk and damage it. This problem was solved very quickly by the HD makers "Parking the read head" when it is turned off. This stops that problem.
As normal, people had to come up with other reason to leave your computer running full time. This basically amounted to "the HD is mechanical and turning it on and off will cause it to wear out faster". True, but leaving it on all the time will do the same thing.
On average a HD will last 5 yrs whether you leave it on or turn it off.
The only advantage to puttng your computer into Standby will be the startup time. Coming out of Standby will have you back to where you left off very quickly. Hibernate is a different matter and your startup from it will be no different than a cold startup. Leaving it in Standby also allows you to run Antivirus and Antispyware scans while the computer is idle. It also allows you to schedule AV/AS and Microsoft/Windows updates when it is not in use.
The disadvantage of leaving your computer on and in Standby makes it available for malware and hackers to have access when you are not around.
So, the decision to leave it on or turn it off is one of those "do I want 6, or do I want a 1/2 dozen" decisions. Whatever is best for you is what you should do.
One last thing. The heat produced by laptop is a concern. Leaving it on constantly will not allow it a "cool down" period. If you choose to leave it on, I recommend you purchase a "cooling pad" (a box with a fan to cool the bottom of the laptop), or elevate the laptop, an inch or so, and then use a fan to blow air under it for cooling. Whatever you choose, keep it cool.
2007-02-02 08:20:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a computer will last 5 times longer if you turn it off everytime you are finished with it.
the more you use something the quicker it wears out.
i used to have a ast 486 66mhz dx2 and left in on 24/7. it lasted 18 months.
my mother had a hp and turned it off every night. she got rid of it after 8 years and it was still working ok.
2007-02-02 15:49:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the unit.
Some laptops heat up a lot, so its not a good idea, and some can stay cool almost forever. May be worthwhile to get a Cool-er type pad on which to place the laptop
2007-02-02 15:42:12 · answer #3 · answered by Mictlan_KISS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's best to turn it off.
2007-02-02 15:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by polishedamethyst 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it matters, but turning it off uses less power.
2007-02-02 15:40:04 · answer #5 · answered by heydabop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesnt really matter, if you want to save energy go ahead and turn it off. but it doesnt matter much. actually if it is cold you might want to turn it off because cold can slow your computer down alot!
2007-02-02 15:42:33 · answer #6 · answered by El Hombre 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn it OFF.
Global warming....you can help by turning of electronics that you are not using.
A little beat from everything HELPS.
2007-02-02 15:42:35 · answer #7 · answered by Arzuita 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋