How many people leave their computers running when not in use? I always power mine down, and a friend said to not do that as its more wear & tear on the components by powering it up & down every day. He said to just put it in sleep mode when Im not using it. dunno.gif

 

I've had the same desktop for almost 3 years now(iMac G5). I've only ever powered it down twice I think, and that was when I was moving. Every time I leave my computer I just put it to sleep and it has never had any problems.

 

Mine's always in use. Seedbox.

 

Depends on the machine's use. 2 of the computers are always running, but any others are usually shut down unless in use.

 

Desktop - always on
Laptop - off at night

The desktop always stays on. It has a fan that keeps it at a constant temperature. I've read (not sure if I believe) that powering off your desktop every night will put more wear on your components, always heating up then cooling off, changing temperatures often. Although, I don't see a constant 95º being good either.

I see no reason to leave my laptop on all the time (at home). I turn it off when not using it. My laptop at work is in a docking station and always stays on unless I'm travelling or working from another office.

 

I keep mine running constantly. I've had the same computer for 10 years. The only time I turn it off is for upgrades or moving. I don't use sleep mode.

Desktop-always on and plugged in with surge protection and battery backup.
Media Center-always on with surge protection.
Laptop- always on, or in standby, and plugged in.
Netbook-always on, or in standby, and plugged in.

Guess what, a router is a computer too. You should always leave that plugged in too.


Turning on and off components leads to something called ionic lockup. It turns transistors into capacitors and over time wears them out. I just leave my electronics on all the time. Part of the selection process is to ensure low power consumption.

 

Just as a tip, never leave a laptop unplugged. at 70% lithium-ion batteries start eating themselves. Keep a lithium ion battery at full, at all times.

 

My destop has been on for 3 years now, only shut her down on restart when adding new software,game or whatever.....I also have a tv card in her which is always in use .

 

Ill leave mine running if I know im gunna get back on later. I do shut it down every night as i dont see the point in paying for power im not using.

 

That's BS. I've been using the same computer for 7 years and I always power down when not in-use. My computer has been very reliable. Leaving the computer on seems like a waste of electricity.