Is it ok to turn computer on and off a lot?

Sorry for this odd question, but someone who knows a lot more than me about computers, told me that it's not good for a computer to be turned on and off a lot. Let's say, for example, I use my computer 5 times per day, and I turn it on and off each time, would it be better to leave it on all day, and just turn it off at night? To me it shouldn't matter other than the on/off switch getting a little extra wear. So, is he right? Thanks. Ed.

 

Well i would say no it would not harm it.I do it some times but most of the time i leave mine on all the time.Turning it off and on should not harm the computer.Its kina meant to be turned off lol thats way they invented the off and on button just make sure you log off with the windows it self not the button unless you don't have any other option.

 

Since I also use my desktop PC as a media/print server, it stays on pretty much 24/7.

I also leave my notebook on when plugged in. I guess I'm just a bit impatient waiting for Windows to start from a cold boot up. :tas

You should, however, shut down and restart your PC every few days, especially if Windows updates have downloaded, installed and a restart is required to finish the automatic install.

 

That's right. Consider your computer as any other electrical device, and try to turn it off-on a lot, it will get out of action.

Example: Do this to a lamp, and the light bulb will burn out in a short period of time.

 

If you don't mind boot times that are longer than if you had the 'puter on all the time, extra wear and tear on the HD from a cold boot, power supply surging from a cold boot, memory excess usage, then turn it off and on whenever you feel like it.

 

lol a computer is way different then a light bulb burning out I know people that turn there computers on and off all the time.And never seem to have an issue.In most cases its probably better to turn it off while your not using it.So no body can hack in while its off.you can leave it on but if you don't need or want to leave it on either turn it off be for you leave or have it Auto turn off.

 

Thanks to everyone who responded. I like to turn off my desktop when I'm done with it. It boots up fast so there's not much waiting when I want to use it again. I'm glad to know that at least I'm not damaging it, and that it's not sitting connected to the internet when I'm not using it. Thanks again. Ed

 

i've been turning my rigs off when I leave, pretty much forever.

modern electronics are specifically designed to be able to handle this, far more times than you could ever do yourself.

 

If im leaving for an extended period of a a few days or more, i will shut it down, but generally i leave my desktop on all the time, just a matter of convenience./

 

i generally leave my Desktop on for a few days but if i know im going to be gone for 2+ hours or going to sleep i generally set to sleep... saves boot time and keeps everything open but with out total shut down

 

not only are computers and lightbulbs nowhere close to being the same electrical device, but cycling light bulbs doesn't even actually decrease their lifespan by a significant amount.

i doubt very much that power cycling your PC shortens its life. even if it does, it's very much worth it to me for the savings to my power bill and the fact that windows starts going wonky if left running for a long time without a reboot.