Power on or power off?

Legacy_user

For years, after using my computer I would turn off the power, but six months ago, an IT guy told me to leave it on, so I simply shut down now and lights remain on in the router.

I am soon to go on holiday and wondered if this advice still stands. I suppose it is no different to being in the house and not using the computer, but what do you do, leave the power on or turn it off?

Belnahua

I wouldn't really leave your PC on all the time anyway now. Old advice.

It was valid in the days when turning on a PC dimmed the lights in the street, but nowadays, they're better off being switched off.

[Deleted User]

If you've got a very new PC, you can put your PC in hibernate mode where it stores all it's current state on the hard disk when it turns off.. when you wake it up, it's like it doesn't have to boot up from scratch. Starts with all your apps/docs loaded

Swan_2

the way I read it, the Op's asking about whether or not to turn the power off at the wall switch, after they've already shut down the computer?

[Deleted User]

It's technically better to turn it off at the socket if you don't have a surge protecting source

unrich

I've only seen one PC burst into flame whilst it was running.

It was quite spectacular.

I wouldn't like it to happen whilst I was away from home.

isave_3

I do not know of currently valid reasons why a PC should be left on when not in use for extended periods. I don't believe concerns regarding reliability justify the extra power used. The time between failure of my own PCs that are switched on and off regularly is about 5 years.

When going on holiday I switch off at the plug, undo the cabling behind the box and hide the box away just for extra peace of mind.

System

the way I read it, the Op's asking about whether or not to turn the power off at the wall switch, after they've already shut down the computer? yes I was, and no I won't leave the power on, thanks