Turning off your computer
Monday, May 12, 2008 by Philly0381 | Discussion: Personal Computing
I mentioned this late one night in the IRC. Lets see what kind of response I get from the forums crowd.
When do you turn off your computer, everyday, only when an update requires a reboot (I guess that's turning off and then on your computer)?
Are then any good reasons for leaving your system on?
Other than using energy are there any good reasons for turning you system off?
Sorry, I'm talking a home computer, not associated with work or being a server.
Why am I asking, just curious. Way back when I started with computers in the work place we were told If we were going to be away from it for any length of time turn it off. We are talking long ago. 
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XRoadkillX
Reply #3 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:00 PM
Reply #3 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:00 PM
I go with the "middle of the road" attitude. I use standby mode. It powers off the computer but it is quick to restart. I don't have to deal with all that initial booting of the system. At the same time, I do try to save power so I don't run up an energy bill for no reason. If I am going to be away for more than a day, I will shut the whole thing off. I am sure the computer will enjoy a fresh boot now and then.
cplair
Reply #4 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:01 PM
Reply #4 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:01 PM
When both my puter's aren't in use they're turned off Philly! Now, I've heard the theory of leaving your system on, that it doesn't consume as much energy as it would being turned on and off. And that leaving it on saves hardware & electrical wear and tear as opposed to the trauma of a dreaded cold boot cycle.
Bottom line to me, all of those theories don't pay my sky ass high PG&E bill. So I guess leaving your system on is cool if you can afford to leave it on.
Cp
Bottom line to me, all of those theories don't pay my sky ass high PG&E bill. So I guess leaving your system on is cool if you can afford to leave it on.
Cp
SetarcosNous
Reply #5 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:09 PM
I used to do this with an older computer of mine. Back then I was the only one I new who could do it safely. (Standby had more problems.) Now I can't even seem to do it on any of my computers anymore. When standby works it is great, but mileage may vary.
Also, I am pretty sure standby fails during a power failure, meaning you might as well have unplugged the comp from the wall while it was running instead of putting it on standby. If you can enable it, "hibernate" is a much safer bet.
Reply #5 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:09 PM
I go with the "middle of the road" attitude. I use standby mode. It powers off the computer but it is quick to restart. I don't have to deal with all that initial booting of the system. At the same time, I do try to save power so I don't run up an energy bill for no reason. If I am going to be away for more than a day, I will shut the whole thing off. I am sure the computer will enjoy a fresh boot now and then.
I used to do this with an older computer of mine. Back then I was the only one I new who could do it safely. (Standby had more problems.) Now I can't even seem to do it on any of my computers anymore. When standby works it is great, but mileage may vary.
Also, I am pretty sure standby fails during a power failure, meaning you might as well have unplugged the comp from the wall while it was running instead of putting it on standby. If you can enable it, "hibernate" is a much safer bet.
Wizard1956
Reply #6 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:10 PM
Reply #6 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:10 PM
I have mine set to turn off the monitor after 15 minutes idle and sleep after 1 hour.Any longer than that,I'll turn it off. I never leave it on if I'm not home.
Lantec
Reply #7 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:14 PM
Reply #7 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:14 PM
My work computer goes on when I get in and off automatically after running a daily backup at about 6pm. The office server I leave on 24-7 so I can access it from home or wherever I find the need.
That may have been the case 20 years ago but not today. Manufacturers know quite a bit more now than they did in the early 80s.
The energy item is bull as well. Just the extra heat put off by the system operating would increase your electric usage via AC costs.
At home I use a physical switch to disconnect mine completely from the line due to the amount of lightning we get where I live. Even so I've had a handful of modems get zapped thru the phone line while on surge protectors. The system goes on as I use it and off if I'm going to be away more than a 1 or 2 hours.
leaving it on saves hardware & electrical wear and tear
That may have been the case 20 years ago but not today. Manufacturers know quite a bit more now than they did in the early 80s.
The energy item is bull as well. Just the extra heat put off by the system operating would increase your electric usage via AC costs.
At home I use a physical switch to disconnect mine completely from the line due to the amount of lightning we get where I live. Even so I've had a handful of modems get zapped thru the phone line while on surge protectors. The system goes on as I use it and off if I'm going to be away more than a 1 or 2 hours.
ALMonty
Reply #8 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:15 PM
Reply #8 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:15 PM
I have 3 and I leave them on accept if I go away to work for the week then there turned off. I also turn them off if there is a bad storm in the area. I heard if you turn it off then back on again you can damage your motherboard from the cool down, heat up, cool down, heat up but I think that could be a myth.
misinformed
Reply #9 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:15 PM
Reply #9 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:15 PM
I generally leave my pc on for as long as possible. However even i know this is irresponsible and wasteful, however i've gotten used to it always being ready and waiting.
I can now semi-justify this by having purchased an 88% efficient power supply for it, so im feeling a little better.
I can now semi-justify this by having purchased an 88% efficient power supply for it, so im feeling a little better.
HAPTORK
Reply #10 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:20 PM
Reply #10 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:20 PM
I hibernate it very often. Sometimes I use standby. Restart it and then hibernate when the speed goes really slow or some software installation requires it.
Pantoffel
Reply #11 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:28 PM
Reply #11 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:28 PM
I generally turn it off if with a switch if I won't be needing it in the next hour. Saves electricity and heat.
Philly0381
Reply #12 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:28 PM
Reply #12 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:28 PM
Hey guys, thanks for stopping by.
I turn my on in the morning and leave it on all day, then turn it off when going to bed. During the day I've gone back to using a screensaver. I have LCD displays so burn in is not the problem but I learn about LCD Image Persistence a short time ago, almost the same thing.
I turn my on in the morning and leave it on all day, then turn it off when going to bed. During the day I've gone back to using a screensaver. I have LCD displays so burn in is not the problem but I learn about LCD Image Persistence a short time ago, almost the same thing.
Zydor
Reply #13 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:56 PM
Reply #13 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:56 PM
Turn it off, power is the key aspect - whether or not its "88%" efficient power supply
A motherboard has a finite life - its longer these days due to better production methods, however the stress you put on components powering up is still as real. Its just that the effect is to reduce motherboard life, and with longer lives now, its not noticed by many. However if you use it a lot, its worth being conservative about freqently switching on and off aka every 15 mins. Dont loose sleep over it, but too frequent sessions powering it on and off does make a marginal difference.
Regards
Zy
A motherboard has a finite life - its longer these days due to better production methods, however the stress you put on components powering up is still as real. Its just that the effect is to reduce motherboard life, and with longer lives now, its not noticed by many. However if you use it a lot, its worth being conservative about freqently switching on and off aka every 15 mins. Dont loose sleep over it, but too frequent sessions powering it on and off does make a marginal difference.
Regards
Zy
ALMonty
Reply #14 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:56 PM
Reply #14 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:56 PM
I have my computers turn off the monitors after 5 minutes.
cplair
Reply #15 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:58 PM
Damn Lantec, having to deal with what all the world has to offer and you have to play Ben Franklin too?!
Reply #15 Monday, May 12, 2008 3:58 PM
At home I use a physical switch to disconnect mine completely from the line due to the amount of lightning we get where I live.
Damn Lantec, having to deal with what all the world has to offer and you have to play Ben Franklin too?!
misinformed
Reply #16 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:00 PM
What that means is that its drawing less power off the wall socket. Anyway thanks captain obvious.
Reply #16 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:00 PM
Turn it off, power is the key aspect - whether or not its "88%" efficient power supply.
What that means is that its drawing less power off the wall socket. Anyway thanks captain obvious.
ZubaZ
Reply #17 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:08 PM
Reply #17 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:08 PM
I keep them on more in the winter than in teh summer as I don't mind the extra heat.
Otherwise, off at the power supply
Otherwise, off at the power supply
skybright
Reply #18 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:12 PM
Reply #18 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:12 PM
I always hibernate my computer so I don't have the slow boot up time from tuning it off. I hibernate if I will be away for more than 2 hours.
Zydor
Reply #19 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:22 PM
Reply #19 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:22 PM
If you leave it on 24x7 consider taking part in a BOINC project, you will at least do something useful with it whilst it is turned on. See BOINC Projects Home Page. There are dozens of worthwhile projects where you can number crunch and help very worthwhile research projects.
It happens automatically in the background, I have been doing it for years - may main contribution at present is to Climate Change Modeling. No specialist knowledge is needed at all.
Below is a link to a talk given by François Grey the Head of IT at the Cern Laboratory in Switzerland where a gargantuan Atom Smasher 20 miles wide has been built underground. A BOINC project is one of the major factors in analysing the results from the atom smasher. Its a very engaging talk, not techie orientated, worth a watch even if you dont get into BOINC itself.
CERN Laboratory - The effects of BOINC
Regards
Zy
It happens automatically in the background, I have been doing it for years - may main contribution at present is to Climate Change Modeling. No specialist knowledge is needed at all.
Below is a link to a talk given by François Grey the Head of IT at the Cern Laboratory in Switzerland where a gargantuan Atom Smasher 20 miles wide has been built underground. A BOINC project is one of the major factors in analysing the results from the atom smasher. Its a very engaging talk, not techie orientated, worth a watch even if you dont get into BOINC itself.
CERN Laboratory - The effects of BOINC
Regards
Zy
AnneMarie
Reply #20 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:25 PM
Reply #20 Monday, May 12, 2008 4:25 PM
I have seen this forum before.
Nice to have it around again
As for me I TURN My computer off at night or if I am away. NO USE in wasting the extra energy.
I don't feel its harmful to turn them off..
So mine runs When I am using it and any more than 2 hours or more NOT using it, I turn it off.
I just like to be efficient and I am all about Saving Energy and doing what I can to help the earth
Anne
Nice to have it around again
As for me I TURN My computer off at night or if I am away. NO USE in wasting the extra energy.
I don't feel its harmful to turn them off..
So mine runs When I am using it and any more than 2 hours or more NOT using it, I turn it off.
I just like to be efficient and I am all about Saving Energy and doing what I can to help the earth
Anne
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Reply #1 Monday, May 12, 2008 2:53 PM
Really the only benefit I see to leaving a computer on is convenience of not having to wait for it to boot up when you want to use it, and increasing its chances of surviving well into obsolescence.