To leave on or Turn Off???

[archie]

For servers, it depends partly on which network OS is used. A Novell server can stay on for quite a while and TTBOMK, will operate more efficiently after running for a certain time ... having it go for a few months without a reboot is not considered out of the ordinary. Usually, Novell servers are only downed for a software upgrade or when absolutely necessary due to an 'abend'.

[azscary]

I work for a very large ISP and we literally have hundreds of computers in our office. There are 8 other offices nationwide as large or larger than ours. ALL of our computers stay on even during holidays and vacations. The general concensus is that:

1. The power consumption cost is negligible to the cost of constantly replacing parts due to start up/shut down stress.

2. If any antivirus updates are ran the machine must be on to receive them.

3. If any Network updates are necessary the machines must be on to receive them.

4. Automatic backups are not performed if the system is off.

5. It REALLY pisses off the Network and LAN admin guys when they want to do something to your machine REAL QUICK and have to wait for it to boot!

All of our machines have the screen saver enabled and we ARE required to log off (Windows 2000 boxes) at the end of our shift. FAT32 machines really benefit from a restart EVERY DAY and more often if using memory or cache intensive apps. I use Windows 2000 with the NTFS and still restart mine every day. My home computer stays on 24/7 and I have DSL always on access. When I test my connection I am invisible on the internet. The IP address that shows up is that of my ISP and not mine. You can test your internet presence here

https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

[cobra]

I prefer to leave mine on all of the time, unless I will be out of town for more than a day.
Better safe than sorry

[highrisemech]

I see it like a TV. I shut it off when I'm done.