More computer questions
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Dallas
More computer questions
Do y'all keep your computers on all the time, just when you are using them or what? I just got a new computer and don't know what to do. Some people say it is best to leave them on, but I hate to do that with this always on internet connection and stuff. wouldn't want to get a virus on a brand new computer. I am also running anti-virus software, so that might help if y'all say to leave it on. I guess thats all.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 664
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From: Lubbock or Houston
Mine is on 24/7 and with a poxy server to keep viruses out. If you are only worried about viruses then just disconnect your net connection when you are not using your computer for a while. If its a cable one, turn the box off then.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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I wouldn't be worried so much about the always on internet connection. Get a good anti-virus and firewall and you shouldn't have problems. I'd be more worried about something happening with the electrical components with the computer itself. Monitors do blow and they can catch on fire. I turn mine off if I'm not going to be around for an extended period of time, and I always turn it off if I'm leaving the house. Hope this helps.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
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From: Claremore
I turn mine off, mostly because with all the fans, it roars like a jetliner. You biggest problem with leaving it on is going to be overheating, especially if you run AMD like I do. AMD processors run much hotter than the comparible Intel. I run approx. 8 fans in my case, and can keep the processor temp at full load and keep it around 100 degrees (death occurs at about 140-160 degrees). Anyways, I guess what I'm trying to get at is that if you have plenty of fans on this new comp. and you just feel like leaving it on so you wont have to wait for it to boot up all the time, then I wouldn't worry about it (so long as it can get plenty of fresh air). Personally, I always turn mine off, I mean, it doesn't help anything to leave it on, really, I dont see why everybody does it.
P.S. Yes, as mentioned, always turn your monitor off or atleast in sleep mode when you will be gone for a while.
P.S. Yes, as mentioned, always turn your monitor off or atleast in sleep mode when you will be gone for a while.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
I turn mine off if I'm going to be away for more than a few hours and always when I leave home. In consideration of any possible shortening of life due to turning it off/on, the machine will be obsolete long before you have to worry. I also consider a PC to be a very small fire hazard; anyone else remember the guy last winter that had the monitor start smoking? I've seen a few more start to smoke over the years. As for the always on internet connection, you should be able to turn off the modem. Make sure you install and properly configure a good firewall to keep unwanted visitors from getting into your PC.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 342
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From: Detroit, MI
If you have a firewall & UPS that can automatically shut down the PC in the event of a power failure - leave it on! Why waste the energy to turn it off?! But seriously, it doesn't really matter what you do to your machine - more harm will come from you using it than the little 'ol electrical outlet.
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Posting Guru
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From: Dallas
Ok.. I normally just shut it off at night, leave it on during the day or just in the afternoon/evening, depending on when I use it. My monitor on the other hand I shut off whenever I am not using it. It is one of those lcd monitor tv things so i just turn it off whenever i am finished either using the computer or watchin tv.
thanks all
thanks all
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Post Fiend
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
I leave my laptop on 24/7 hooked up to the internet through my router. It's always on, ready to go. If there is a thunderstorm or I am away I will unplug it/ turn it off. Other than that, it's ready to go. My screen turns itself off when I close the lid on the laptop.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: New Haven, MO
I've got a P4 and I ALWAYS leave mine on. I've got the Internet through the school server, which keeps out most viruses (and pop-ups!) I've got a flat screen monitor, and I usually turn that off when not in use. The reason I leave mine on all the time is I use it to listen to music/watch movies when I go to sleep. Thankfully the monitor is right next to the bed, and I've got wireless keyboard/mouse. That's nice!! I can also sit across the room on my couch and still use the keyboard and mouse, even though I can't always read what's on the screen.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
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From: Claremore
Originally Posted by wcmo sae
I can also sit across the room on my couch and still use the keyboard and mouse, even though I can't always read what's on the screen.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
We turn ours off at night. Modern hardware does not mind to be turned on and off. Even though we have UPS' on all systems and thus are less likely to get a hit from unstable power, we still turn it off. Saving on the cost of power.
On top of that, if you are using the hibernating feature of XP or 2000, you can cut the start-up time way down, since the system does not have to go through the normal boot routine.
Using a DSL connection, we are naturally worried about people hacking into our home network. Hence we use a router with a good hardware firewall (such as netgear or D-Link). On top of that we use software firewalls on each computer (Norton Internet Security Professional). So far it has worked very well.
Our notebook is connected through a wireless card and there is a danger of people trying to tap into your home network. This can be avoided by using the security features built into modern routers and registering each authorized wireless card on the router.
Hope this helps
On top of that, if you are using the hibernating feature of XP or 2000, you can cut the start-up time way down, since the system does not have to go through the normal boot routine.
Using a DSL connection, we are naturally worried about people hacking into our home network. Hence we use a router with a good hardware firewall (such as netgear or D-Link). On top of that we use software firewalls on each computer (Norton Internet Security Professional). So far it has worked very well.
Our notebook is connected through a wireless card and there is a danger of people trying to tap into your home network. This can be avoided by using the security features built into modern routers and registering each authorized wireless card on the router.
Hope this helps
Last edited by canuck999; Apr 27, 2004 at 12:07 PM.