Hello everyone. I didn't know where to ask this so I chose this section. My sister asked me a question that got me thinking. She has a home computer like mine and she doesn't use hers ofter. She shuts down and turns it off after use. I however am disabled. I am online from morning to around 7 PM. Yes, I have no life. Every night, I shut down and turn off the computer.

The question is, which is better, leaving it on all the time or shutting down for the night to let it cool off and rest? Thanks!

This is an age old question with no real answer...

When the parts heat up they expand. When the parts cool down they contract in size....This heat up - cool down "can" wear parts out....

Leaving a pc on all they time "can" wear parts out......

I turn mine off when they won't be used for a few hours....The little five dollar fans make me nervous.....

Odds are you will out grow a pc before you break it by leaving it on ot turning it off all the time.

Thanks for answering me friend. I have had people tell me the same thing but I trust you guys to give me the right one. Since I am on the computer all day long, it just makes me feel better to turn it off while I sleep or away to let it "rest" and cool off some. Being disabled, this computer have been like a life line for me. It keeps me busy and my mind off the pain. I can't afford to have something happen to it. Thank you again!!

Hi Tammy

I have a good 14 years old PentiumII 400 (upgraded from a P100), which is on all the time, because it's my home network Internet server. Never had any problem with it, (I stop it for cleaning once a year, this is the only maintenance I do, along with the mobo battery every 4~5 years) just now, the PSU fan is starting to make some bearing noise.

I let my systems on 24x7, to avoid humidity (which here in Brazil is always around 70~85% in my region) and the cold/heat cycles which may damage components such as capacitors.

The youngest system here are my Athlon 2000+ and the kid's Celeron D, (2 years, 24x7 on and connected), next comes my disabled son's Pentium III 800 (6 years, also almost 24x7 on). We only shut down the laptops because they are always travelling around.

We only shut all things when there is a strong probability of lightnings.

I learned this later in the 80's when the only system at my work (I was IT at this times) which never had problems was the one connected 24x7 to a Telex/Fax system. They sold it after 5 years with no maintenance. Since that, all my computers remained on all the time.

Chris

Thanks Chris! Sorry it took so long to answer. I live in North Carolina and we have lot's of storms in the summer. I just feel better turning mine off to let it rest for some reason. I have dial up by the way. It's a Dell and will be three in February. So far I have only had to replace a fan. It's been a great computer so far!

Corporate servers run 24x7 with little breaks as well. It should be okay. As Chris mentioned, pay attention to the sounds of the fans and act quickly if you hear one acting up.