OT: Should computers stay on constantly? - Page 2

Kamog · #11 August 5th, 2005, 02:00 AM

I usually leave my computer on overnight, and then in the morning I turn it off before going to work. Then when I get home in the evening I turn it back on again.

dogscoff · #12 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 · #13 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 · #14 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.

Randallw · #15 August 5th, 2005, 07:31 AM

I used to be against leaving my computer on when I wasn't using it, but lately I've taken to leaving it on all day so I don't have to restart each time I come back. Even when I go out for an hour I leave it on.

Glyn · #16 August 5th, 2005, 10:32 AM

More reasons to turn your computer off when not in use.

Security. It�s difficult to hack a machine that�s off. Especially if your internet connect is always on.

Electric Spikes. Lighting, brown outs, power outs..

Dust buildup on the fans and in side the case. The more you leave it on the sooner it will need a good cleaning.

Xrati · #17 August 5th, 2005, 11:14 AM

Computer hardware used to be the main consideration in older computers for leaving them running. The hard drives with new technology run better and for those of us that go back far enough remember have to 'PARK' your heads on your hard drive before shutting it off, some superstitions die hard.

Renegade 13 · #18 August 5th, 2005, 11:58 AM

Well that mostly answers my questions. Thanks everyone.

Suicide Junkie · #19 August 5th, 2005, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Xrati said:
The hard drives with new technology run better and for those of us that go back far enough remember have to 'PARK' your heads on your hard drive before shutting it off, some superstitions die hard.

I've got one of those!
http://imagemodserver.mine.nu/nick/p...es/se5beta.png

Thermodyne · #20 August 5th, 2005, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Glyn said:
More reasons to turn your computer off when not in use.

Security. It�s difficult to hack a machine that�s off. Especially if your internet connect is always on.

Electric Spikes. Lighting, brown outs, power outs..

Dust buildup on the fans and in side the case. The more you leave it on the sooner it will need a good cleaning.

If you have an always on broadband connection, you should also be running a hardware firewall. Any decent router comes with one. Routers with NAT firewalls are not decent routers.

Personally, I would suggest that you get a UPS. They don�t cost much and the will cure the spike/sag problem. Plus give you some spare power during outages. It�s nice to be able to use the cordless phone or charge the flash light during outages. If you have a couple of grand invested in a nice system, another buck fifty for a UPS is not that hard to justify.

Dust build up is a problem, systems move a lot of air. An always on system should either be in a clean environment or have a case with filtered intakes. The system that is in my living room (with the damn cats) needs the filter cleaned once a week.

If you have an always on broadband connection, you should also be running a hardware firewall. Any decent router comes with one. Routers with NAT firewalls are not decent routers.

A small point of personal experience: If you get new carpet, don�t put the computer on the floor when you move it back into the room. New carpet sheds more than cats do.

Edit: Gotta watch "select all" on a pda, there is a lot not showing on the display.