Computer question to settle silly dispute at work.

[ExitthePig]

Is it better to leave a computer running all the time, or to shut it down? A friend has a mac and claims that macs run better, or that it is better for mac to be on for long durations then to shut it down when it is not in use.

I think this is bunk...don't most electronics wear out faster when left on?

[GreNME]

Is it better to leave a computer running all the time, or to shut it down?

Neither or both. Computers nowadays can go for long stretches being left on with no detrimental effect to the operating system (as opposed to the past, where a day or so and a reboot was necessary to gain back RAM).

A friend has a mac and claims that macs run better, or that it is better for mac to be on for long durations then to shut it down when it is not in use.

A Mac is no different than any other computer, and thus has the same risks and benefits to being on for long durations. I leave my desktop (running Vista) on for weeks at a time, sometimes for months. My iBook is usually left logged on but powered down in a hibernated state when not in use. Neither habit of mine is indicative of what brand the computers are, simply reflective of my habits when using them. Both are capable of being on for very long stretches with no negative effects.

I think this is bunk...don't most electronics wear out faster when left on?

Different electronics degrade differently. Things with moving parts, like most hard drives, usually wear out quicker than other stuff when remaining powered on for long stretches. However, the length of time is sufficiently long for such hardware's life span (barring banging, extreme temps, getting wet, etc) that you will normally finding yourself wanting to replace the hardware before it dies. The same concept applies to most of the rest of a computer (whether Dell, Apple, HP, Sony, or whatever).

One caveat: If you live in a location where power outages or brown-outs are relatively common, shut that puppy down when not in use or get a very good battery backup unit (UPS). Your computer cutting off instantly from power shorts or outages is a good way to cause damage to any operating system (even Macs), and some types of shorts can send a surge through the line that could accidentally fry a component in your computer (yes, even Macs).

http://image.grenme.com/thread/The_More_You_Know.jpg

[ExitthePig]

Thanks for the reply. You know how those co-worker/trivial knowledge disputes can be. He just had to take his gigantic imac in because the fan wore out, and his hard drive failed.

[GreNME]

Huh.

Well, if he argues it again, tell him you know someone who has a G4 iBook who keeps his running almost constantly with the exception of hibernation. Still the original hard drive.

Sounds like he should be more careful about what he does on his computer. ;)

[ExitthePig]

Huh.

Well, if he argues it again, tell him you know someone who has a G4 iBook who keeps his running almost constantly with the exception of hibernation. Still the original hard drive.

Sounds like he should be more careful about what he does on his computer. ;)

Ha. He is a music downloader. Particularly music that is below the RIAA radar. I imagine he leaves it on over night doing most of the work for him.

I just figured the constant use must be hard on it.

Then again, sometimes things are just made faulty by accident.