OT: Should computers stay on constantly?

Renegade 13 · #1 August 4th, 2005, 04:55 PM

I've heard many different things from different sources, but I'd like to hear what you knowledgable people think

Should computers be left constantly running, with only the occasional reboot? Or should the computer be turned off frequently when not in use, like overnight?

Which option will extend the life of the components to the maximum?

Colonel · #2 August 4th, 2005, 05:06 PM

I just set the computer to hibernate so I dont have to load up windows again. Also you wanna keep it off because it uses electric, it like a light turn it off when you leave the room, unless you are doing something with it.

Captain Kwok · #3 August 4th, 2005, 05:10 PM

I tend to turn my computer off overnight about 50% of the time. Otherwise I just have the monitor/harddrive go to sleep after 30min of non-use.

Renegade 13 · #4 August 5th, 2005, 11:58 AM

Well that mostly answers my questions. Thanks everyone.

Fyron · #5 August 4th, 2005, 06:52 PM

If you leave it on all the time, it will not shorten the actual lifespan of the hardware. The parts will tend to break down after the same amount of hours of operation either way. It will shorten the perceived lifespan in terms of absolute years in that fewer measured days will pass before parts tend to break. However, by the time it starts to die in either case, it will be highly obselete and in need of replacement anyways. In either case, your computer parts will probably last for many years, assuming you do not abuse them. Keep them cool, don't overclock them, etc.

Kevin Arisa · #6 August 4th, 2005, 07:07 PM

I rarely turn mine off. Only if I am going to be gone all day or if I go on a trip or something. I do a nightly system scan, virus check, and restart but thats about it. It does eat electricity but mine has a power save mode that comes on after an hour of inactivity. I think modern computers are designed to stay on.

Thermodyne · #7 August 4th, 2005, 07:29 PM

It is really a mater of choice with newer systems so long as the power settings are configured properly. But since dormant electronic devices consume >10% of the electricity generated (USA) it would be greener if you shut it down.

dogscoff · #8 August 5th, 2005, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Thermodyne said:
But since dormant electronic devices consume >10% of the electricity generated (USA) it would be greener if you shut it down.

Get some solar panels installed on your roof, and then you can leave it on all night guilt-free

Dragonswrd · #9 August 5th, 2005, 06:25 AM

If your computer is Win 98 or older shutting it down can put more wear and tear on it. Newer computers don't have that problem. I leave mine on all the time, but shut off the monitor. I really don't notice a difference on my power bill when I have left it off or had it on. Your biggest power user is the monitor. As a computer tech, it really doesn't matter. It doesn't hurt the computer to leave it on or off. Though I don't recommend turning it on and off multiple times a day.

Mephisto · #10 August 5th, 2005, 06:26 AM

Keeping your PC running when you don't use it is a waste of power and precious resources.

Please keep in mind that North America has the highest power useage per citizen in the world and that turning your computer off would help all of us to preserve resources. There is no unlimited supply of oil and coal.