LEAVE IT ON, OR TURN IT OFF?
InterNet Access Network ( )
Fri, 23 Apr 1999 11:41:26 -0400
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>Internet Tip of the Day:
>
>LEAVE IT ON, OR TURN IT OFF?
>
> This questions seems to be asked over and over again.
>Some people like to leave their computer on 24hrs/day. Some
>people prefer to shut the computer down if they won't be using
>it for half a day or more. So, which method is best?
> There doesn't really seem to be a clear answer as to
>which method is best. Some will argue that every time you
>turn on the power to your computer it sends a surge of
>electricity through the chips and electronic components that
>make up your computer. They claim this surge of electricity
>slowly "eats" away at the components and eventually the
>computer stops functioning. Others say that leaving your
>computer running all the time will wear out the bearings in
>the hard drive.
> We recommend that you do whatever is most convenient
>for you. If you use your computer frequently each day, you may
>wish to leave it turned on all the time. If you only use it
>every other day or every couple of days, you may wish to turn
>it off.
> If you decide to leave your computer on continuously,
>there are some things you should know (even if you turn your
>computer off each day you should still be aware of these tips).
> The power in most cities and towns fluctuates quite often.
>You should always have your electronics plugged into a surge
>suppressor. If possible, plug everything into a UPS
>(Uninterruptible Power Supply). A UPS will constantly monitor
>the power for you and will try to stop the surges and dips in
>the power. Most UPS systems have buzzers to let you know
>when they are compensating for fluctuating power. You'd be
>surprised how often a UPS has to kick in to "clean up" the
>power for your computer. Without a UPS, it's quite possible
>for a power surge to destroy the computer.
> Whenever there is an electrical storm (lightning or
>thunder), you should turn your computer off. In addition, if
>possible, you should unplug all your computer components
>from the wall plug and you should unplug the phone line that
>connects to your modem. Even a UPS can be damaged by
>lightning.
> Another thing to keep in mind is that Windows 95 and
>Windows 98 don't seem to do very well after running for more
>than a couple of days straight (sometimes less). If you
>notice that some of your computer programs don't seem to
>be functioning as they should, you might want to reboot.
> Those of us who have done technical support for an ISP
>have had many calls from customers that have complained
>about not being able to dial-in and connect or their email or
>browser isn't working properly. Surprisingly enough, rebooting
>Windows seems to fix an awful lot of unexplainable problems.
> So, in short, leaving your computer on continuously or
>turning it off after use both seem to be equally fine. If you
>do leave your computer on continuously and you notice that
>a program or function of the computer is not behaving properly,
>try rebooting before calling tech support...it might save you a
>phone call :-)
>
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>Web Site of the Day
>
>Regardless of how you use your computer, you really should
>have a UPS to help filter the electricity feeding your electronics.
>Visit a few companies that make Uninterruptible Power Supplies.
>
>http://www.apcc.com/
>http://tripplite.com/
>
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Dayton, OH