Computers for 24/7 operation-should they be shut down periodically?

I work in a hotel, which is open 24/7, so naturally our computers are always on. I have read that it is actually good for the computers to keep them running (the monitors go in standby mode when not in use), but for how long? Should we be shutting them down, say, once a week to let them cool down? If so, how often, and for how long?

2009-09-01T13:24:03Z

Thanks everyone for your advice. We've been shutting them down periodically - I just wanted to make sure we weren't causing any harm to them in the long run.

And, Georgia C - it is a very small hotel - we have only 4 computers on site. Hardly warrants an IT department, but thanks for the helpful suggestion.

Masked Musketeer2009-09-01T13:17:27Z

Favorite Answer

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should shut your computer down or how long you can keep it running continuously. Most computers when idle, automatically go into low power mode or sleep mode, which cuts down on power usage and heat.

I run a small home business and I have a home server that has been running 3 weeks continuously without any problems. I only power it down occasionally to do some cleaning (remove dust) or when I need to perform some upgrades, but otherwise, it's always on full time.

10

Georgia C2009-09-01T20:23:51Z

I would think the hotel's IT department would be the best to ask about that.

For my home office, I shut my computers down for a couple of minutes every 3 or 4 days, then reboot, do my maintenance (disk cleaner, CC cleaner) etc.

00

Anonymous2009-09-01T20:12:50Z

They should only be shut down if you want them to be. Its fine to leave them up, but an occasional reboot, like during updates, isn't a bad idea.

10

Joseph2009-09-01T20:23:01Z

yeah its ok but you can reboot from time to time just for update to work

10

Related Questions

Why should I shut down my computer when I can just unplug it?Help! my computer shut down after it discovered a virus and its been shutting down periodically since then...?How can I fix my computer that keeps shutting down periodically?Do you keep your computer on 24/7? If not, when do you usually shut it down?Is it better to leave a computer on 24 7 or shut it down when its idle?

Trending Questions

What are some ways to print your emails.?4 answersIs it ideal to keep your data totally off your computer? ?5 answersI once read the even computers without cameras can secretly somehow be used to film a person through the screen. Could this be true?5 answersCan a PC run without a BIOS?5 answersAre there options for long term cd storage such as cases that are airtight, protects cds from rot, mildew, etc.?4 answers