Should people turn off their laptop by using only the power button?

Not really. Its much more beneficial to the OS to let it run out the processes and shut down everything before powering off. Although its not exactly harmful, I wouldn't suggest doing it for an extended period of time.

this means something is wront with your OS run chkdsk on it... if that doesnt work reinstall your os

i mean its not a big problem just make sure the disk isnt in use and you give it enugh time to unmount most of the files and run the disk checker often but as long as your careful not to do it when the read write light is on then it shoulnt be a problem

No you could have a problem if the os is reloading. Best thing to do is hibernate. Machine is off but work remains on the harddrive. Try to use program turn-off except in emergency.

I actually have a problem with my computer like that. When I shut it down it will completely restart. The only way to shut down my computer is to flip the switch on the back. (I guess that's my new power switch :) )

But no it is not the proper way to shut down your computer or laptop, ESPECIALLY if you have programs running.

No it's not a good way, only use it when you have to!