does turning your computer on/off damage it?

[Stu DemonD]

I run my PC at home 24/7 - and even then, it tends to be active [i.e. not hibernating] because it is always downloading stuff

I have loads of fans, though, and never have trouble in general with over-heating.

I run a memory refresh prog now and again, which seems to clear out a bit of dross. Plus I do ad hoc reboots now and again, just to keep it all fresh.

 

[StoneNewt]

Running 24/7 doesn't mean it's not been rebooted... I think the last time my G5 was actually turned off was when I re-arranged the study 5 or 6 months ago, it's been rebooted at least 15 times since then for various bits and pieces. In fact I'd consider a home PC with uptimes of over 45 days a security risk as patches haven't been applied properly.

Actually my best cooled 24/7 system didn't have ANY fans besides the PSU, just dual 12v pumps...

 

[Hellcat]

Running 24/7 doesn't mean it's not been rebooted... I think the last time my G5 was actually turned off was when I re-arranged the study 5 or 6 months ago, it's been rebooted at least 15 times since then for various bits and pieces. In fact I'd consider a home PC with uptimes of over 45 days a security risk as patches haven't been applied properly.

Actually my best cooled 24/7 system didn't have ANY fans besides the PSU, just dual 12v pumps...

glug glug glug

 

[Stu DemonD]

I tend to find if I do security patches, then I reboot straight afterwards.

 

[Hellcat]

Your comp is most vunerable immediatly after a reformat, if connected to the internet. I think BBC News did a test, and after something like 10 minutes of being started it had been infected by several viruses and was open for attack by hackers!

Best to have the anti-virus/firewall and updates, service packs and updates available on CD to install before connecting to the internet. Or if you have a server you can install SUS/WUS for the service packs and updates.

 

[TDF]

Or to be behind a hardware firewall....

 

[Hellcat]

Or to be behind a hardware firewall....

Only if its setup correctly. If your PC invites the perp over....

 

[StoneNewt]

Only if its setup correctly. If your PC invites the perp over....

And use the runas service...