Does it hurt a computer to leave it running all the time?

[zandr32]

I have heard that it's harder on a machine in the long run, to turn it off and on, than it is to leave it on all the time. Whata ya think? Is this true?

I'm in the music business and, a lot of big time recording studios never shut down the equipment, claiming that it's bad for it to do so. I'm talking digital stuff just like my PC.

I have an old PC that runs great if I don't shut it down. Just wondering?

[brinybay]

Originally Posted by zandr32

I have heard that it's harder on a machine in the long run, to turn it off and on, than it is to leave it on all the time. Whata ya think? Is this true?

I have an old PC that runs great if I don't shut it down. Just wondering?

Well, of course! Mine doesn't work either when it's shut down! haha, just kidding!

You need to be more specific as to what problems you are experiencing when starting it back up. But in general, yes, it's better to leave it on, saves wear and tear on the on/off switch for one. But on a personal computer set up like mine which is in my bedroom, it's not practical to leave on due to the noise level.

[Ren]

Yes, it is better to leave it on. Most electrial parts will never go out unless you turn it on and off unless if it in a mechanical part like fans, coils , lights and things like that. Even the startup is hard on them too. If you ever noticed, I light bulb is more likely to blow when you turn in. It is the sudden surge of electricity the is hard on things.

[zandr32]

I have an old PC that runs great if I don't shut it down. I must admit, that was stupid wasn't it? Oh well, you know what I meant to say. I should spend more time analyzing myself instead of my computers.
Point is, I was just wondering if it makes a difference in the long run. Oh by the way, I had to bypass my on/off switch a couple years ago because I wore it out. This is the real reason for my concern. I have to turn off the power block that my PC is plugged into when I shut down. I think this is using a lot of battery power that keeps my date and time from defaulting.
Anyway, as of right now everything is running smoothly so, I guess I'll give more info if it starts acting up again.

[s7p9a2m4]

It dosn't hurt to leave it on. I leave mine on all day but shut it down for night. I have the monitor set to shut down as it is the biggest power user.