It’s widely believed that turning your computer off is best for your computer and its components to ensure a longer lifespan. But is there any truth to this claim?
According to a technology expert, the answer is complicated and dependent on your usage.
“Leaving a computer on all the time is less stressful than turning it off and on several times a day – but it is a constant stress,” he said.
The process of booting up your computer activates a small surge of power which causes all the components to wake up and start spinning. Making your computer run through this motion several times every day can lead to a shortened lifespan and the risk of a critical failure is greater as your computer ages.
While the booting up process does have an effect on your computer, so does leaving your computer on at all times. This is because the mechanical parts are in constant use, even in low-power mode, and they eventually wear down over time.
So, what’s the best option for your computer? It all comes down to how much you use your computer and for what. If you are using the computer several times a day, then it’s better to leave the computer running, switching into sleep mode after 30 minutes of non-use. But, if you use it once a day, then it’s better to turn the computer off once you’re done.
It is recommended that you always shut down your computer overnight to allow your computer to perform regular updates during the shutdown process, as well as saving money on your power bill.
Do you always shut down your computer? Do you ever leave it running overnight?
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