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Do You Turn Off Your Computer?

This has been a discussion that has gone on for many years; whether it is better to leave a computer turned on all the time, or whether it should be shut down if left idle for some time. Those who subscribe to keeping it on state that this prevents wear and tear on electrical parts that change temperature. Others who subscribe to shutting it down base their beliefs on lower power consumption, and better health of the Operating System.

What do you do? Why?

Take a read of this recent article published on CNN.Com. It may answer some questions regarding this issue.

https://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/ptech/07/28/g...n.ap/index.html

Computer Your Turn Do

I did not read the article, but I for one shut down my computer unless I am downloading something big overnight. For one thing shutting down your computer prevents something else shutting it down for you like a power surge. Yes, I have a UPS, but when that runs out the same thing happens - your computer is forced to shut down. With regards to an operating system like windows - wow, shut down is part of the daily process (although a restart is mostly necessary you may end up just shutting it down). The other thing is firewall protection, once you are online, you are basically a target. Once unmonitored someone could be attacking your computer without your knowledge. So as you can see - I am all for shut down

Do You Turn Off Your Computer? Gaming Video & Issues Computer

I also choose to shut down my computer when I am not infront of it for a long time. The main reason is to save energy.

I also agree with JB@Trinidad regarding firewall protection. I think it is very important to shut down and be aware that there are individuals who are out there trying to find ways to access your information. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Computer Your Turn Do

I guess I have a different view on this. I leave my pc's on all the time; the only time I will shut down is for new application installs or if I have made changes that require a restart. I do agree with you on the restart issue; if a restart is needed, a shutdown may as well be done. With respect to power surges, I can see if you live somewhere where these are common you may be worried about them, but since we rarely experience those here, that is not an issue. As for being online, that is what I have 2 firewalls for, Anti-Virus software and wireless encryption.
I tend to believe that shutting down and starting up a pc multiple times puts undue wear and tear on your hard drive, motherboard, memory and yes, OS. This I will admit dates back to my first pc's which I found had major problems from shutting down and restarting, so today, with better hardware, I may be wrong. However, I choose to stay that way until someone can prove me wrong

Edited: malexander on 15th Aug, 2004 - 10:33pm

Computer Your Turn Do

Well I turn off my computer every night. The only reason that I do this is because I'm still under the authority of my parents. =P Also my brother can't stand the noise it makes while he sleeps. Otherwise I'de probably be just to lazy to turn it off.

Do You Turn Off Your Computer?

yea, i hear ya....i turn my computer off from habit from when i used to share a computer with my parents, though now that i have my own, i shut it off half the time, and leave it up and running half the time...so i even out.

i've really have had no problems though with just leaving it on, and we don't tend to get that many power surges here in Souther Cali...so it's not too bad unitl those earthquakes start back up again.

Do Turn Your Computer

I shut my computer off when it's not in use. I do this mainly because of habit but also because I live in an area with frequent lightening storms. This means an increased chance of a power outage. Also, I just don't like to waste the electricity. I also worry about viruses even though I have a good firewall and virus scanner. For me shutting it off makes more sense.

Do Turn Your Computer Computer Issues & Video Gaming

I leave my computer on all the time. The longest I have left Windows XP up is two months. I am always tweaking the system and still don't ever shut it down. I have my computer locked down tight, I log all IP's that attempt connections and keep AVG (anti virus) and spybot (spyware detector) up to date and always running in shield mode to prevent problems. My zone alarm allows no incoming connections and programs have to be granted permission to get out. All suspicious email is quarantined, and all viruses (though I get very very few) are quarantine so that I can check out their code. My machine runs great and never has any major problems as long as I keep it tuned up. Its like a car on a long drive. Plus, XP is so much more stable that it doesn't need the nightly, or even weekly reboots. I leave mine up for months at a time.