Q. Should the computer be turned off when not in use? Is it safe to leave it on when not in use?
A. This is a question of great debate. Some think there is no need to turn them off. Some do. As far as power consumption, computers use virtually none. All I do is shut off the monitors, and leave the computers running 24/7. I'll generally reboot Windows machines about once a month or so to clean them out a bit, but that is it. My Linux and other Unix machines stay on, period.
It is up to you completely. There is really no need to turn your machine off if you are running a more recent operating system, but it really does not matter either way. It is a matter of personal preference. Other than the fact that I see no point in shutting them all off, I also run seti, which is another reason to leave them on.
It should be pointed out that if you are running Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows ME, your PC should be rebooted daily. These three operating systems share a common bug that does not exist in Windows 2000 or Windows XP related to the proper handling of resources. Over time, these three operating systems run out of resources and memory area, and run slower and slower. The issue regarding some versions of Windows (95 and 98) and many other operating systems like it is resources and available resources. The more programs that are running in the background, the less resources there are available during usage.
RAM (Random Access Memory) plays a big roll in this. Adding more RAM can help matters greatly. So can increasing the amount of disk space allocated, within limits, of course. These operating systems store everything done on the machine. Lots of cache is stored and maintained in some operating systems. Windows 95 and 98 are just two of the operating systems that cache lots of information. Doing so makes web sites used often appear quickly, while new websites take longer to load. That is the secret to being quick, based upon the technology used back then. And it works well.
The problem is, Windows saves too much, in both daily use and that which is stored. Add to that programs that run in the background, along with heavy use, and the system loads up and begins to slow down as Windows begins scrambling to find places to save information, when RAM becomes scarce. Thus, a reboot is wise, when the OS (Operating System) begins showing signs of slowing down. Adding more RAM helps dramatically but is not the only cure. Nor is increasing the disk space allocated.
Windows (older versions at least), in and of itself, does not do a great job of clearing out its own cache, either. Thus vendors sell software to do so for those whom do not know how to manually do so. Nor should a user do so, unless they know exactly what to do and not do. The places Windows stores information in the "C" drive is not easily accessible to the average user, nor should it be. Windows software writers knew some people would look in places they should not be. If the user does find the folders in the OS they should not be in, the writers used a very effective method to deter us. They simply coded the folders so they would not be understood what they are for. An average person who finds a coded folder(s) and cannot identify its meaning, is very likely to past it over. If that fails to deter us, a popup should appear with a warning note.
As a result of all this and much more, turning off the machine daily is a wise idea. Doing so allows the OS to clear its RAM and start fresh, or at least attempt to. It's not always possible as a result of Windows' own OS and all the programs we add or allow to run in the background.
A reboot helps, while a full shut down does a better job of refreshing the OS. More RAM is a wise investment, to a certain point, as well as other methods. Your best bet and least expensive way to prevent slow downs and avoid freeze ups or crashes is to reboot or turn the system off. Running the system tools at least once monthly and in the correct order helps plenty. By doing this, Windows will automatically bring to the front cache those programs used most often and do so in the proper order we use them.
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