What is the right thing to do close down ;your computer every night or leave it on?

Turning a Windows system "OFF" (from 'Start> Turn Off Computer...' button) is not the best way to put your system away for the night (or extended periods) and forcing a shutdown with the power button is NEVER a good option; only a last resort.

It prevents Windows from 'housekeeping' system files to get ready for the next start-up, and may, over time, cause file corruption; slow down; even break Windows.

A much better method is 'Hibernation'.

Shutdowns using the 'hibernate' method gives several benefits: It's a near zero power state; all 'Startup' folder items are already loaded, Windows background services are already 'up', and all open work moves to the hard drive, yielding really fast start-ups.

And if power is lost (storms, etc.) the document or picture you were working on won't be lost like it would be in 'Standby' mode, and the system will resume just where you left it.

Go to Start> Control Panel> Power Options> Hibernate: here check the box.

To show this option when turning unit off; Start> Turn Off Computer> HOLD down 'Shift' key & 'Standby' becomes "Hibernate': tick that.

(Some systems have a 'crescent moon' key to go right to hibernate).

Note: emergency power disconnect can be done without any affect on the system, but unfiltered power spikes will likely cause damage to the system.

To start up, push the power button, and Windows will resume right where you left it, bada bing.

It depends on if it is a desktop or a laptop. With a desk top it does not need to hold a charge like a laptop does. Overcharging a laptop battery can cause shortened lifespan. With a desktop it is meant to run all the time. Also, laptops that run continuously have a tendency to overheat causing damage.

Desktop:

- I leave mine on all night long because that when I have it set to update and scan for viruses, etc.

- My moniter is energy star rated so i dont worry about over usage, but you may not. Check the manual.

- My computer is set to "sleep" or "hibernate" after ten minuets of no use, this is a good time for me but your preference may be different.

- As for internet, before you are done for the night, close all windows. Make sure you have up to date virus protection and an enabled firewall.

Laptop:

- My recommendation for this is to turn it off for reasons perviously posted.

It all comes down to what you have, do, and protect and clean your personal computer.

You are doing the right thing in shutting the computer off for the night

saves a lot of energy and also gives the cooling fans a rest so it will last longer.

I'm in computer science class (in college) and leaving your computer on for long periods of time is not good. But you do not want to be turning it on and off constantly, if you are going to be getting back on in 30 minutes or so it's best to just put it on sleep. Also, another helpful hint that I learned.. if you have a laptop it's best not to leave the battery charging all day. Once it reaches 100% you should unplug it and plug it back in when it's low.. I didn't know that before the class :)

Shut down at night because:

1. Saves energy

2. Gives computer time to "rest"and cool off

3. Will last longer if not powered all the time.

Yes, If I'm not going to get on the computer for 2+ hours I will turn it off because it get very hot. I have a laptop that I got a fan to put under it and I will let it stay on longer. but a night everything goes off.

There is a strain to your system every time you turn it on or off, but with modern electronics this has minimized. I would only keep you machine running non-stop only if you have a reason to do so (ie your downloading shows through a service like Miro, or your computer is a web server). Turning your computer off at night will also drop your power bill as well (turning off any unnecessary electronics at night will do that).

To me, I don't see the point in wasting electricity. Even if it goes into power save mode... you're not using it. Why keep it on? People don't leave all the lights on in the house all the time, do they? No, they turn it off when they leave the room.

I don't think there's necessarily a damage factor to leaving it on, but I think it conserves energy and gives the comp a rest. I've accidentally left my comp on too long or someone else's, and needed to restart it because it was running retardedly.

Also, if you have a constant connection to the internet (cable, DSL, etc.) hackers could potentially try to hack your computer if you leave it on. I've not heard of it happeneing often, but it's still a possibility.

if you leave it on, be sure you are signed out of all the programs, as a virus protection, alot of times I leave the icon sign in page on but it does use a battery, for your screen clock ect. of which I need abattery and keep forgetting to get one. I would say the power source is a main factor with utilities now days.so as long as your signed out of the programs, go to sleep!!