2007-03-15 19:05:24 · 8 answers · asked by Truth89 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
The on/off switch at the back of the computer is to turn the power supply off. This is just another safety measure they put in to stop the motherboard from becoming damaged. It is recommended that you turn this switch to off if you want to take out the power cord.
2007-03-15 19:12:14 · answer #1 · answered by JoLT 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there.
Basically, it's a fail safe switch or extra safety protection for your ATX power supply (AT power supplies don't normally have them, altho some do) besides physically unplugging the power cord. Since turning off your computer using the front panel power switch will not totally turn off your computer (probably a few volts like 3 or 5 volts are still running thru your computer). The switch behind the power supply will totally turn off any power going to your power supply AND your motherboard.
Hope this helps
2007-03-16 02:10:43 · answer #2 · answered by iskai 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have used it in the past for testing power supplies, but it can also serve as a safety measure when you're working on a computer. Turning that switch off makes it impossible to accidentally turn the computer on, since that switch is on the power supply. (It's also good for when the computer just won't turn off by normal means, like if you have a broken switch.)
2007-03-16 02:11:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It turns off the power completely. PS's always have 5 volts on the board for the CMOS. The Battery is there for power outages.
IF, the computer not shut down with the software or holding the power button in on front, something not correct. You should not have to turn a computer off with the switch on back, Though I have had to do this. :-(
2007-03-16 02:10:49 · answer #4 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It turns the power to your computer on or off. You might want to use this in case of a power outage and you do not want to unplug the power cable.
Now do you want to know what the power button in the front of your computer does? That is a tough question too.
2007-03-16 02:11:42 · answer #5 · answered by Big C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I use it when my computer freezes, and the restart and on/off button in the front of the computer doesen't work. Other people might have other other uses for it but thats mine.
2007-03-16 02:10:02 · answer #6 · answered by na0kochan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
incase of a power surge its like extra protection to back ur pc up. and also when your working on the motherboard or anything you want to really know you've got it off it your like me you dont want to crawl through wires when you can flick the switch.
2007-03-16 02:09:41 · answer #7 · answered by crazybarfighter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thankyou,I really needed a good laugh at 3 am.LOLOLOLOL
2007-03-16 02:09:24 · answer #8 · answered by thomas c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋