power on or power off

I just got a new computer - compaq presario - and I keep hearing conflicting advice on whether to keep it running all the time, or power it down when I'm not using it. I'm on dial-up, and only online for .5 - 2 hours a day.
Without starting a major discussion, and confusing me, what should I do?
I'm not even sure if this is where this question should go. I'm sure an admin/moderator can move it if it is not in the correct location.

Thanks for the help.

Denise

 

There's Pro's & Con's for either choice

Generally when not in use I choose to power off, especially if I'm not home.

Why?

Have you ever seen A PSU Burn up, I have, it Spit Fire & Sparks for about Three feet (Fourth Of July Baby) it could have easily started a fire


I learned two things from my Experiance
1# Never buy generic PSU
2# Never leave PC on when not at home

The picture isnt mine, just a Visual aid

 

>> I just got a new computer - compaq presario - and I keep hearing conflicting advice on whether to keep it running all the time, or power it down when I'm not using it. I'm on dial-up, and only online for .5 - 2 hours a day. genxquilter <<

Hi Denise and since this is your first post here a hearty "Welcome to Major Geeks!" to you!

Few questions in web-based computer-related forums generate such a grand variety of debate on any issue and engender so few facts or 'definitive' answers as the “Leave My PC on or Off | Or Should I Hibernate, or What?” topic.

For Windows users - using Windows 98 Second Edition or beyond, that is - who want to have their computers "always ready to go" my advice would be to just set up your PC to "hibernate" overnight or when it is inactive. "Hibernate" powers down your monitor to about 5 watts of energy and your PC to 2.3 watts; which is virtually the same as turning your PC off.

Users who use the Windows "hibernate" function; when the computer is inactive, will save on the power/energy costs compared to a PC (or notebook) left on especially with a screen saver running. Screen savers alone, at a minimum, can use about 40-60 watts; those with 3D graphics can use as much as 114.5 watts.

There are four things which I believe I can assure you will definitely occur if you leave the computer on 24/7 (without using hibernate) as opposed to turning it off when you're not using it:

(1) You will have a higher electricity bill. An "idle" computer and monitor can use about as much electricity as one large 3-way bulb on the highest setting, or two or three regular light bulbs.
(2) Your computer will accumulate far more dust in it's interior (in a shorter period, I mean).
(3) Since some of the electrical parts can be weakened or damaged by heat, leaving your computer on all the time means that the parts will always be warm, thus potentially shortening their life spans - just a bit, though.
(4) Windows becomes less stable the longer it is on continuously. It is a good idea to restart your Windows computer at least once per day (if you decide to leave the PC on 24/7, I mean).

Good Luck!

 

This is a little late, but there are moving parts in them thar computers. Fans wear out, and turning them off doesn't remove life like with flouresant lights. I have replaced a LOT of power supplies, and I use nothing but generics for replacements ($15 vs $60+ is a powerful arguement), and have never had a problem with it. A lot of power supplies I have replaced nothing but the fans, that being the most common failure mode. All power supplies, generic or not, have crowbar circuits that will shut them down to keep from frying the rest of the computer. The name of this circuit is because it is analogous to throwing a crowbar across a pair of hot lines to kill them. The only exception to this rule was one a fan had died on. When I asked my Dad why he kept using it after it quit (and I had warned him it was going to) he replied, "I thought it had fixed itself." That cost me a hard drive, motherboard, and, of course, the power supply. But I have never had one smoke or flame on yet, although I have smelled the distinctive aroma of frying resistors.

 

Hi!
When I am home and 'up and at 'em', I leave my computer ON but turn the monitor OFF if I won't be using the computer for some time. Saves a bit on the electric bill.
If I'm going somewhere or sleeping, I turn my computer OFF.
I personally think leaving it on 24/7 is risky. The pic ASUS posted is proof that things can go wrong.