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.
Leave it as it is. There are various levels of MS XML tools installed on the computer, and each program uses a different one.
Yes. Defragmentation is, as it says on the tin, a defragmentor. what it does is organises the files on your hard-disk. think of it as a set of cards. you place put the most recently used card on top, and after a while, the cards become un-organised, so it takes a lot longer to find the ace of spades. what the defragmentor does is organises the cards so that they are in order, so when you go to look for the 8 of clubs, you know roughly where it is instead of looking through the whole deck.
i hate jerks they are mean
My Computer has done this before too. It means that your computer has been on for to long and is over heating, if you leave your computer on over night. Then what you should do is turn it off while you sleep, turn it off when you are not using it, and after downloading or adding things to your computer restart it. I hope I helped. =]
You leave a trail - everything you do online can be traced back to the computer you're using.
No its should have a hibernate feature after a few minutes inactivity. Rebooting constantly or restarting frequently is supposed to be bad for a computer according to some computer experts. Most office buildings leave them on all the time for that reason.
Maybe you should call them but block your number, and find out who they are. :)
No, but if you leave your computer on the Screen-saver and leave it there then it should save. Good Luck -Newbie-
If you don't log-off, anyone can go on that computer and access your folder and files
You need to be quiet and leave the building quickly. You shouldn't be running.
No! if you leave your computer off it wont spread around your computer but if you leave your computer on and for get about it it will seriously damage your computer and it will cost a lot to repair your computer
Reboot. It can take a while, but it shouldn't take 3 hours, much less 3 days.
Leave it as it is. There are various levels of MS XML tools installed on the computer, and each program uses a different one.
Logging off prevents others from accessing your account should you have to leave your computer.
There are many different men that leave their home running. This is because running is a very popular athletic activity.
no dummy, of course not, you just said you didnt click it on. Jeez, the computer wouldn't have the camera running if you didnt click it on, and the minute you stop using the camera it auto shuts off, gosh, noobs need to leave the web
About 5 minutes.