Should you leave your computer running constantly?

Answer 1

It honestly is up to you. It is actually better to leave it on as you retain your connection to the ISP and in most cases, don't have to renegotiate your download speed (which could get a bit slower the next time you connect).

Other information

It depends... You should be definitely be protected with a hardware or software firewall, whether your computer's on all the time or not. You're vulnerable even during short periods of use, as a broadband connection is "always on."

You can test your vulnerability at GRC.COM. Or go to www.grc.com and look for the link to "Shields Up." There's also a lot of valuable info here about security and vulnerability if you want to wade through it (at www.grc.com).

I have a small network and my router acts as a hardware firewall. A good software firewall is Zonealarm. One version is a free download at ZoneLabs I left mine on all the time, and despite the fact that I had XP and Zonelabs, I got hacked and have been through 4 drives since. i need a new computer as once they " get your number" -- you're history.

My hack was a high level corporate entity -- so like the other guy said w basic firewalls you are ok for the most part. Me? I'm so paranoid now i unplug the phone line when I'm not using the machine! When you are not using your computer tune it or off disconnect from the internet (for safety). If you have a laptop you should never just keep then on for a long amount of time, they tend to burn out due to heat. If you have a desktop then it you chose but save some money from the power bill and turn it off. Firewalls are a must when you are online.

Heat and system wear are likely a more important issue here. If you choose to leave a desktop running 24/7, make sure it is in a cool, dust free area. Also, listen closely to the fans running. If they get louder or higher in pitch, its probably time to turn it off and use a can of air to blow the dust out.

Here's how to dust it out

1. shut down the PC, then unplug it

2. remove a side panel. (most have a release latch or a couple of Philips head screws along the back of the case)

3. get a can of air, and blow all the dust out

This will keep your desktop healthy and allow you to run it constantly. You may want to restart it at least once a day. Windows tends to become unstable if not allowed to restart, and some vital updates and programs will not apply without a restart.

Concerning viruses, you should ALWAYS have an antivirus installed on your PC. If you are broke, I recommend AVG free edition, and Spybot s&d for anti-spyware.

(If you have a laptop, abandon the idea of leaving it on all day. they are not designed to dissipate heat quickly enough, and most likely it will fail within six months of such treatment. )

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No, you shouldn't as if you turn your computer off it is off so it can not be hacked because while it is off it doesn't exist unless someone has used a virus which is very rare that when you turn of your computer it stays off but here is a little advice make sure you have an up to date anti -virus, spyware etc and scan your computer now and then for viruses and you should be fine also don't allow others to connect through your printer or something like that because then you will get hacked and if you see a file on your desktop you don't recognize scan it because it may be a Trojan

I have been using broadband for the past 8 years and rarely do I turn off my computer. I have not been hacked or gotten any viruses. If your system has anti-virus, anti-spyware and is firewalled up you will have no problems keeping your computer on and connected to the internet. Unless of course you are downloading from a P2P which may leave a port or two open and then you might get hacked.

Answer 2

Actually, it shouldn't be because computers, you know, consumes too much energy or electricity that destroys or affects the environment. Electricity is run by water. So the more you use computers, the more you consume electricity, the more you needed water. And water, is needed by the environment. So when the we lack the supply of water, we, all of us creatures, will be greatly affected.

Answer 3

Yes. When you computer is running it makes most of its calculations via the RAM or Random Access Memory. When you turn off your computer, your RAM is cleared(Windows 8 and 8.1 might be an exception) so that when you computer is turned back on it will have the entire RAM to write to. This isn't the only reason but I have to ask other users to update this answer if they have more info then I do.

Answer 4

No you should not,because it can burn.I know cause i tried it.[computer burned out]

"NO" and it depends, simply put: if your going out to get a snack, then leave it on. Even modern PSU's and components are subject to repeated voltage spike'n from turning on and off. Now, if you have a built up a server spec desktop, there has been debates on loss of hrs of life do to switching (turning on and off your build) However,

1) it's not energy conservative.

2) I causes unnecessary heat. "only good during winter ;) "

3) If you do have a fan failure, and your not around. your prying for the on-board monitoring sys to shut down your build. if that fails; though un-common "you just melted your computer."

Your system has a life "Time" your HDD will fail, your PSU, GPU, and CPU will all Fail some time. So if you use it off and on all day then Switching it off can cause more life time. However if you just use it to check for movies, FaceBooG, email etc... two three times a day, SHUT IT DOWN!!!

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I keep my machine on all the time. I do have a liquid cooling system and maintain a system temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit when left unattended. However my system is set to automatically shut down if it gets too hot.

Answer 5

There is no serious drawback, for the computer, if you leave it on for a long time. You may want to turn the computer off (or suspend it, or hybernate it) while you don't need it, to save energy. If you need the computer to process something while you are away - for instance, to download a file, or to do some long calculation - you can turn the screen off; the computer doesn't need the screen for its work.

Answer 6

Always leave it on, it saves power instead of turnign it on and off all the time. Also, never turn your lights off. unless there is lighting / a storm.

Answer 7

No