Turn power off when the day's deeds are done
Question:
My name is Kyle Misener, I was told that it was better to leave my computer on all the time but change the settings so that it hibernates or goes into power saving mode when it sits idle for a prolonged period of time. I was wondering, is it better to leave my computer on all the time or should I turn it off when I'm done using it?
Answer:
Although we would usually focus this column on providing sound technical advice for the everyday computer user, you have in fact touched base on a topic that every reader should be aware of. We view this in the technical world as maintaining your PC but also being conscious of our environment and our wallet!
However, the truth behind this question is in fact that you should always turn your computer off at the end of the day. What we suggest is when you're finished working on your computer, turn it off by shutting it down, but also by taking it one step further and switching the power bar off. This is done for a number of reasons; Not only will you minimize wear and tear on crucial moving components such as the power supply, hard disks and cooling fans, you will also minimize the amount of dust that builds up inside the PC. This dust can possibly collect on the inside of your computer and prohibit it from cooling vital components. (Trust me, if you haven't opened up your computer and it's been running while sitting on the floor for a couple years…It's Dusty!).
Ok, so now you understand that shutting down your PC helps save components and minimizes dust but one thing that you and everyone else may not be aware of is that a screen saver saves your screen not power! Stand-bye or hibernate modes are power saving features but still need power to work. I also bet you didn't know that even though you turn your computer off, if you don't unplug it or turn off the power bar it is in fact still on! (You probably think I'm crazy right?)Have a look at your printer, fax machine and speakers, they may not be in use but they're still on. In fact the same goes with TV's, VCRs, CD, DVD players, and other home electronics, they all use energy even when they are turned off (that's why your T.V. knows when the remote tells it to turn on!)
In the average home, 40 per cent of all electricity used to power home electronics is actually consumed while the products are turned off. In the end, you could potentially save up to $55 a year by shutting down your computer for 12 hours a day. Another fact for you, flat-screen LCD computer monitors use about 66 per cent less electricity than standard CRT monitors. Consider using a laptop instead of a desktop computer, laptops use up to 90 per cent less power. (www.saskpower.com)
In conclusion, if everyone is aware that in order to completely turn off your computer and other appliances you should turn the power bar off (which I hope has a surge protector) or maybe even unplug them. Then maybe we can all extend the lifetime of our computer as well as save our environment and money.
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