Turning off computer at nights

[Bert184]

Hello everybody

My grandson has a new computer, it runs very well but he believes that a computer should be able to run 24 hours per day 7 days per week. As re reckons that every time you switch it off it creates problems. I have a computer myself which I only switch on when I have to use it.

We always are at loggerheads, as I reckon you are wearing out the bearings of the fans and the hard drive.


Is there any reason for keeping the computer on 25/7.

[fireballs]

I'd have to take your side on this topic. There shouldn't be any need to leave a computer on over night, unless it's downloading a large file that will take several hours.

I don't believe that physical wear is the problem, as computers become obsolete before physical wear really sets in. but leaving a computer on is going to have detrimental effects on performance. for instance some poorly designed programs may not release memory so when they're no longer in use the memory is still unavailable. Also heat may be a problem depending on what kind of environment the computer is in.

Is there any reason for keeping the computer on 25/7.

If you can do anything for 25/7 i'd be impressed!

FB

[Saviour]

I have a Gateway computer that I used for 6 years...and it still works fine...turning it on/off over that entire period...countless number of times...and leaving it off overnight.

Though your son may have some valid points...let me ask you this...

Who pays the electric bill?

[t_blake07]

Well sleep mode puts everything in a resting state, right? The only time I actually shut mine down is when I have problems. I have always put it to sleep when i'm not using it, and its still going strong after 2.5 yrs.

[JJ 3000]

I don't like sleep mode. It seems like it causes more problems than it solves.
I turn my computers off when I'm not using them (I pay the power bill).

[t_blake07]

Paying the bills and the lack of problems is why I use sleep mode. But I do hear a lot of people have problems with it. Maybe its because thats what i've done since I bought it, and thats what its used to.

[Broni]

There is nothing wrong with either way: always on, or on, and off.
There is no proof of any of those ways having any impact on computer health.
The only difference is the electric bill.
Personally, I stay away from any form of power saving modes (sleep, hibernate, etc.). They suck.

[iamyourmom]

personally, i always switch off after use, because it saves power, and at least you let the fans stop for a rest.

if you keep it on for 24/7, then the fans might draw in a lot of dust, which may in turn, damage your computer, simply because your fans keep sucking in dust.

However, if you regularly clean your computer, then it should be ok for keeping it on 24/7

[Aegis]

However, if you regularly clean your computer

Care and caution must be exercised when working inside a computer case, so as not to build static charges. 

What is the definition of "regular"? 

This advice also presumes the computer is in a dusty environment.

[Broni]

Simply, having carpet on the floor, is good enough for dusty environment.

[t_blake07]

There is nothing wrong with either way: always on, or on, and off.
There is no proof of any of those ways having any impact on computer health.
The only difference is the electric bill.
Personally, I stay away from any form of power saving modes (sleep, hibernate, etc.). They suck.

No offense Broni, but what is it about Sleep mode that sucks? I've had no problems. At least none that I think have anything to do with sleep mode.

personally, i always switch off after use, because it saves power, and at least you let the fans stop for a rest.

The fans do stop in sleep mode. And as long as the computer is actually plugged into a power outlet, its affecting your bill. Just not as much as if it were always up and running.

[Broni]

No offense Broni, but what is it about Sleep mode that sucks? I've had no problems.

No offense taken. Let me rephrase...
Sleep Mode works for you....very good, and be happy, because I've seen hundreds of posts about computer problems, where at the end, power saving mode was the culprit.
This is a typical example of a tool, which in my world, I don't use.
Why?
I don't use tools/programs, which work for, let's say, 60% of all people, but causes problems for other 40% (number may vary).
I simply don't want to be among those 40%.
Windows power options never worked flawlessly, and I don't expect them to work that way in my life time.
Period.

[alexK]

  I like to be superstitious!
Once your box is in Sleep or Hibernation mode, it may never wake up.

[BC_Programmer]

the problem with the power-saving modes is when an attached peripheral doesn't support power saving- sometimes it will even cause a BSOD when attempting to go into sleep mode.