do you turn off your computer or leave it on?
I have heard from a few friends that its best just to keep it on, but i have also heard that you should turn it off so you dont get virus'es etc..
Anyone got any thoghts on this ?
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I have heard from a few friends that its best just to keep it on, but i have also heard that you should turn it off so you dont get virus'es etc..
Anyone got any thoghts on this ?
{link removed}
Michelle posted this at 16:28 — 14th November 2007.
She has: 70 posts
Joined: Nov 2007
Turning it off if you're not using it saves electricity but won't make a difference as far as viruses are concerned. You get viruses from opening infected email, going to infected sites with an insecure browser, stuff like that. They don't juse wander the internet looking for computers that are left on.
I leave mine on all the time because I stay logged into IRC 24/7. Otherwise I'd probably turn it off.
Michelle
Gennie32 posted this at 05:17 — 25th January 2010.
They have: 74 posts
Joined: Jun 2009
i believe that keeping your computer on is more about energy conservation, viruses can be deleted with a scan
Megan posted this at 17:57 — 14th November 2007.
She has: 11,421 posts
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I turn it off to save energy. On the weekends I try to remember to shut off my power bar before I leave work (because most appliances continue to suck energy even while they're turned off). At home I sometimes tend to leave my computer on on the weekends when I'm on and off it all the time, but I'm trying to be more realizstic about how long I'm going to be away - if it's more than an hour I'll shut it off.
Megan
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Greg K posted this at 18:24 — 14th November 2007.
He has: 2,145 posts
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If I'm going to be away for more than an hour, I hibernate mine. Rarely do I actually shut it off, usually only when an update requires a restart. I never go to standby.
Interesting topic though is the people who insist on "turning off" a monitor anymore. probably 98% of the monitors that auto "standby" (shut off the display) when they detect no video signal, use the same circuits to detect you press the power button to turn it on. We did a test on a few monitors before watching the current usage, same when "off" as in standby (other than the very very tiny amount to light that LED on the front to tell you it is in standby).
-Greg
PS. Show your age, who remembers waiting several minutes for a TV to "warm up" before you could watch it?
Megan posted this at 19:00 — 14th November 2007.
She has: 11,421 posts
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My mac monitors don't even have an off button.
Greg, did you find that they were still sucking power when in "off" mode (or could you find that???). That's what I'm concerned about... I never did shut monitors off before I had these though. I'd always forget it was off when I went to use it again and wonder why the screen was still black.
We used to have a TV that took time to warm up like that. It also had kind of a greenish tint to the picture....
Megan
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Greg K posted this at 19:29 — 14th November 2007.
He has: 2,145 posts
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Modern monitors (and electronics) still sill use power even when "off". Compare older computers with a mechanical on/off switch to newer ones. Older computers (pc's anyhow) when you turned off the computer, it was actually breaking the connection of your AC to the power supply. If you ever worked on one, you saw you had wires going straight from the power supply to the power switch (or really old ones, the switch was in the power supply).
Newer systems (and monitors and such) there is some type of circuit that is constantly drawing power, which looks for the pressing of the power button. Now, don't get me wrong, this is WAY less power than the item fully turned on and working, but still using power, and like I said in the case of monitors, the same circuit is what checks for a video signal to go into "standby" mode, which is most likely the same mode it is in when off.
So in general, it is still a good idea if you are wanting to save power to shut off your equipment, however most monitors in use now will auto go into standby mode when they don't detect a video signal, which is most likely the same energy saving as shutting it off. This is why in windows under "Power Settings", you can set it how long to wait to shut off the monitor. It doesn't' actually shut it off, it just stops sending a video signal so it in effect shuts off.
-Greg
teammatt3 posted this at 05:45 — 16th November 2007.
He has: 2,102 posts
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I thought the main reason people left their computer on was so that the hard drive didn't wear out? I think it was something about turning on the computer really gives a nice yank on the disk, but I'm not sure.
I always turn my computer off at night. I should probably just turn off the whole powerstrip because that'll shut down my printer, modem, router, and speakers too. Save a bit more power.
Megan posted this at 13:59 — 16th November 2007.
She has: 11,421 posts
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At work we used to have to leave our computers on overnight because they'd sometimes run upgrades in the middle of the night and the computers had to be on.
Greg - that's why I try to actually unplug my equipment before I leave for the weekend. I should really do it every night when I go home. When I said "shut off my power" above I should have said turn off the power bar or unplug it from the wall.
Megan
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pr0gr4mm3r posted this at 02:10 — 17th November 2007.
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Turning off your computer may decreases the wear on your hardware WRT total runtime, but starting and stopping hard drives puts wear on them, too.
I usually turn off my computer at night in the summer because it uses energy and fights with the AC. In the winter, I will leave it on sometimes, especially when I have 80 million windows open.
Greg K posted this at 04:33 — 17th November 2007.
He has: 2,145 posts
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Have you ever gone in and looked at your power settings on your computer (at least in windows), If I remember right, they default to shutting off the hard drives after like 30 minutes.
In the computer labs on campus, used to find computers sitting there with like 4 browser windows open, or other multiple windows, with no one there... Impatient (well more unknowing) students... They come in, sit down at the computer which has been idle for over 30 minutes. They click on a program, and because it took about 20 seconds for the drives to spin up and "turn on", they would keep clicking on program becasue nothing came up in that 30 seconds. Then when everything pops up when the drive kicks in, they move to another one thinking something must be wrong. LOL
(students in a computer labs can be entertaining... except for then they kept shoving floppy disks into the zip drives, even AFTER we pulled each zip drive and painted the faceplate red).
-Greg
Renegade posted this at 18:26 — 17th November 2007.
He has: 3,022 posts
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Let me put it this way:
07:27:01 up 27 days, 6 min, 3 users, load average: 0.42, 0.28, 0.23
haha no, I don't turn off my computer, last time it rebooted was 27 days ago
demonhale posted this at 14:47 — 19th November 2007.
He has: 3,278 posts
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I think this will become a mythbusters type thread... I do turn-off my computer after 12 hours...
Raducu posted this at 14:26 — 29th October 2010.
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It is good to turn off your computer once in a while because the hardware parts can get really hot.The only computers which need to be on 24/7 are the computers which sustain different servers and they just can't be shut down without shuting down the server.{link removed}
kaykays posted this at 04:43 — 20th November 2007.
He has: 17 posts
Joined: Oct 2007
A high percentage of PC hardware problems occur at power-on surge.
However, I turn off the PC at night, and also for the lunch break.
prakharmaheshwari05 posted this at 10:33 — 17th June 2008.
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i never turn it off i just hibernate it
Michael James Swan posted this at 21:01 — 17th June 2008.
He has: 400 posts
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I always hibernate mine, all of the time.
The only time it goes off is when i have just done an update.
Greensphere posted this at 23:20 — 18th June 2008.
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I like to ensure that my computer also gets a good nights sleep.
demopaul posted this at 09:27 — 27th June 2008.
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I turn it off when I am out or asleep. Even if I am offline, its on for music, movies, writing etc.
Moreover, every mechanism needs rest, as well as our eyes.
domain posted this at 06:11 — 3rd September 2008.
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Hello,
i turn off it when i do not have any work of computer. i also manage hibernate. so i donot face any problem.
paul_wilson posted this at 11:55 — 9th September 2008.
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I turn off my computer after finishing my work
EmilyJames posted this at 17:16 — 16th September 2008.
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I turn it off when I am done working. It saves energy and also keeps me off the computer no walking in the room and doing more work!
web08 posted this at 03:56 — 7th October 2008.
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I leave my computer on 24/7 as I can make money with it. Yep, you could earn some money by participating in autosurf programs and peer sharing program such as Gomez! All you got to do is to leave your central processing unit on and turn off the monitor to save a bit of electricity energy!
HolyWarlock posted this at 23:50 — 30th December 2008.
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I like to ensure that my computer also gets a good nights sleep.
Gog posted this at 11:28 — 31st December 2008.
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Turn my PC off in the evening to save power. This is a pretty interesting article I came across http:// tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/14848 where the advise from Seagate is that heat is a big contributor for hard drives dying. If your PC is off it cant overheat.
thomprecision posted this at 19:51 — 14th January 2009.
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I turn off my computer at night, and hibernate it when I know I will be away for more than twenty minutes or so. I haven't checked to see how much energy that really saves, but by now it's just habit.
paperlunch posted this at 23:22 — 18th January 2009.
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i always turn off my laptop after i have finished my task or works.
So , my laptop no burnout.
and i can save energy in my country.
GianaSedeng posted this at 15:32 — 26th January 2009.
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Just hibernate it, I use windows xp
thomprecision posted this at 16:54 — 28th January 2009.
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Yeah, when I used to have a Dell laptop, I would have to be very careful with it because it would easily overheat. There was no way that it could be running all day and all night without overheating or having some serious problems. Even with a stand, to help it so that heat wouldn't get trapped at the bottom, it still had trouble.
That's one reason that I prefer desktops, when you hibernate or turn them off, it's to save energy, not to prevent something bad from happening to the computer.
azmir posted this at 22:17 — 18th February 2009.
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Well most of time I shutdown computer for saving electricity but hibernating is another good option
barsa posted this at 07:27 — 16th March 2009.
She has: 20 posts
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when you don't use your computer then turn off your computer for saving electricity. I always turn off my computer when I have done my work.
wen_wedinfo posted this at 02:14 — 18th March 2009.
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just turn off the computer to save electricity and prevent mysterious viruses... i always turn off my computer when im not using it...
trade-show-bill posted this at 17:35 — 18th March 2009.
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I turn mine off every night, but I sometimes wonder why. It takes three minutes to get going in the morning, but that gives me time to get a cup of coffee.
Michael James Swan posted this at 13:33 — 27th March 2009.
He has: 400 posts
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My laptop has been turned on and off many times, that now when i actually remove it from the power and decide to use it elsewhere whilst out and about.
The charge does not last very long. I believe that the laptop will stay on for less than 20 minutes which is not good at all.
~ Mike
nigelfinch posted this at 16:32 — 27th March 2009.
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MS2134, perhaps you just need a new battery?
Michael James Swan posted this at 16:48 — 27th March 2009.
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Nigel,
That is a good idea, but the battery is not actually that old.
~ Mike
pr0gr4mm3r posted this at 21:42 — 27th March 2009.
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How old is it? My batteries go out in less than a year.
Brutal posted this at 00:56 — 22nd April 2009.
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When i sleep my computer sleep too. If you dont turn off your computer, it meens that you shortens his life in two. If you fear virus, just turn off your comp from internet.
patria987 posted this at 11:03 — 29th May 2009.
They have: 9 posts
Joined: May 2009
When I`m not working i prefer to turn my computer off or go for hibernate sometimes,just to save my electricity bill.Its on almost the whole day so when i take a break my computer also takes a break by sleeping and best way to get rid of virus is to disconnect net connection wen not using and use some good anti virus like Avast wen accessing the net.
wazzupweb posted this at 11:10 — 29th May 2009.
They have: 63 posts
Joined: May 2009
I turn off my computer when I'm done updating my blog. And also, I want to save electricity. But some of my friends told me that it's better if we leave it on? But I don't want to do that. My computer might overheat and I dont have money to buy a new one.
andr2008 posted this at 09:39 — 2nd June 2009.
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Joined: Mar 2009
I never turn off my computer. I pay for internet, so I usually download something, for me or for my friends.
victorsmith posted this at 07:26 — 23rd June 2009.
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I turn off to save energy, when i am not using it
during downloading or during system scanning I turn off monitor,
luke777 posted this at 13:28 — 7th July 2009.
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i turn it off all the time now, otherwise i think its going to overheat or use up uneccsary miliage
shawnwilliams posted this at 06:55 — 27th August 2009.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Hi JAY7...
It would be a good option to turn off the PC as it saves energy as it’s not even costly, precious as well.
It won’t make any difference if you turn it on with virus threat. You can turn off monitor or use hibernates to do this.
shane posted this at 11:02 — 2nd September 2009.
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Joined: Sep 2009
I would have to be very careful with it because it would easily overheat. There was no way that it could be running all day and all night without overheating or having some serious problems. Even with a stand, to help it so that heat wouldn't get trapped at the bottom, it still had trouble.
Regsrds,
shane - {{link removed by moderators}}
Gennie32 posted this at 16:29 — 1st October 2009.
They have: 74 posts
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by shutting down the comp, we are not only saving electricity but also, protecting computer. the fan will get heated up if continously on, and it may create probs.
lee24 posted this at 17:44 — 27th October 2009.
They have: 1 posts
Joined: Oct 2009
I leave my computer on 24/7 because i learn how to make cheap solar panels and make my on energy. I came across this website a few yrs ago http://helpoutowners.com/ that give you 3 site they highly recommended for crystal clear instructions on how to build your own solar panel systems at home and save energy.
bryanfuller posted this at 22:53 — 4th November 2009.
They have: 6 posts
Joined: Oct 2009
i usually turn it off, but the point u have made is important...!
winttery posted this at 07:50 — 30th December 2009.
They have: 5 posts
Joined: Dec 2009
i thin turining it off does not save power waste,but also keep ypur computer away from the virus. but when you have to use the laptop, you had better open the anti-virus software as a protection.
samuel1278 posted this at 10:46 — 25th January 2010.
They have: 3 posts
Joined: Jan 2010
After finishing my work i always turn off my computer to save energy.
{links removed}
nethacka posted this at 09:51 — 28th February 2010.
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i mostly i am used to turnoff monitor,it used to save power
{link removed}
nethacka posted this at 09:55 — 5th March 2010.
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Joined: Feb 2010
HI,
One i have finish my work i turnoff my computer,if it runs continuously it get slow.
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Kik posted this at 01:07 — 9th March 2010.
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Joined: Mar 2010
I have a really bad habit of leaving my computer on all the time, with quite a few things open
My brother always tells me not to, but sometimes I just forget or can't be bothered with saving everything I have 
Natural Makeup posted this at 05:53 — 1st April 2010.
They have: 1 posts
Joined: Apr 2010
Yes i used to turn off, just for 3 hours a day, does it harm more for my PC
mrhheather posted this at 03:16 — 2nd August 2010.
She has: 24 posts
Joined: Mar 2010
hello,
if u r not willing to turn off your computer then i suggest,the least we can do is, turn off the monitor when not in use...this will just save some power...
and Yes, i do turn off computer too, when not it use.
devashishseo posted this at 06:24 — 4th August 2010.
They have: 18 posts
Joined: Aug 2010
I usually hibernate my PC .
{links removed}
JoyMon posted this at 22:08 — 24th September 2010.
They have: 9 posts
Joined: Sep 2010
I hibernate my pc, and when updating windows, i reboot after updates, and then again hibernate. I you want to boost your boot time, try this:
Step 1: Go to the Run dialog (Tip: Pressing the Win and then R buttons will bring up the Run dialog).
Step 2: In the text field, type in “MSConfig”, then press Enter.
Step 3: Go to the Boot tab.
Step 4: If you are using a dual/multi – boot setup, make sure you select the appropriate OS.
Step 5: Press the Advanced button. Check the “Number of processors” box and then select the maximum allowed number of processors.
Step 6: Exit MSConfig and restart your computer.
thesslstore posted this at 12:48 — 4th November 2010.
They have: 8 posts
Joined: Aug 2010
There are no problem to put your PC on sleep mode or hibernate mode.
There are problem of some kind when you are always connected with internet than it is possible to hacking or virus spread otherwise for stand alone PC there are no problem.
Only one problem is for sleep mode your PC C:/ drive is occupied 1GB of space for storing session data.
gloriatrstn posted this at 08:42 — 20th November 2010.
They have: 4 posts
Joined: Nov 2010
Turn off computer, if you do not use it saves electricity, but will not make a difference regarding the virus is affected. Virus will attack when you have opened the virus infected e-mails, visit sites infected with a browser on insecurity. Better to keep pc in hibernate mood.
Spielmann posted this at 06:43 — 4th January 2011.
They have: 43 posts
Joined: Dec 2010
It is not good for hardware to be on all the time, besides not sparing energy is wrong from the "enviromental" point of view. So my PC is off after finishing the work
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igirlsgames posted this at 08:31 — 4th January 2011.
They have: 6 posts
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I would standby , but now i think you had better turn it off .
ebolamonkey3 posted this at 17:05 — 4th January 2011.
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Joined: Dec 2010
I turn my pc off of coure if Im not gonna be using it whats the sense to have it on???? just westing energy for nothing
jhonas posted this at 04:12 — 6th January 2011.
They have: 37 posts
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I turn off my pc when i done my work. Becuase if don't turn off then hardwares get really hot and then there is chance of hardware blast.
elisajohn posted this at 04:47 — 28th January 2011.
They have: 4 posts
Joined: Jan 2011
Turn off is very best option for saving electricity. Turn off and keeping stand by option no any virus will attack. Virus will attack only when you opened the virus infected e-mails or any virus included sites etc. then only virus is attack on your system.
xtreme123 posted this at 09:56 — 30th January 2011.
They have: 4 posts
Joined: Jan 2011
Every machine requires rest for the workload it has been given ..so to save electricity and proper working of your device..it is good to provide rest to your device
Allnsmth posted this at 07:22 — 1st March 2011.
They have: 18 posts
Joined: Feb 2011
Hi,
tks for all comments but one of most important thinks we should always keep in mind, data backup protection. because the data is important for any corporate industries and individuals entities.
In today's data lost problem is vary rare. there are many data recovery companies which help to recover your valuable data.
privatelabel posted this at 12:49 — 23rd May 2011.
They have: 20 posts
Joined: May 2011
I always turn off my PC after finalize my work. It not only save its life also save power as well.
steven300 posted this at 05:57 — 15th June 2011.
They have: 17 posts
Joined: May 2011
i turn off my computer after 20 hours lol
Weddings_Zone posted this at 15:46 — 2nd May 2012.
They have: 7 posts
Joined: May 2012
I turn my computer off at night, to save electricity and preserve the life
carolh posted this at 09:14 — 15th May 2012.
They have: 10 posts
Joined: Apr 2012
I always turn off my computer if I am not using it...
pulse90 posted this at 04:21 — 1st June 2012.
They have: 6 posts
Joined: May 2012
Hi,
I always turn off computer to save energy , when I am not using it...
tommy21 posted this at 05:41 — 19th June 2012.
They have: 13 posts
Joined: Jun 2012
Some times I turn off my computer. But most of the time I leave it.
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