Should I leave My PC on Or Turn It Off

hould I leave my PC on all of the time is a question I am asked frequently.  This is one of those issues that divides the so called "experts" much like the Mac vs. PC question or the debate over DSL vs. Cable.

I am not an advocate of leaving my desktop computer on all of the time,  When I am sure I'm finshed with it for the day, I turn it off.  This allows Windows to clear out some of the garbage it has accumulated.
Simply put,I do this also because it reduces any risk of fire caused by electrical malfunction. As with any appliance, your computer does pose a potential fire hazard.

Other reasons to turn off the PC include saving energy and giving Microsoft Windows a fresh start. My experience is the longer Windows is running, the more flaky it gets. A daily reboot refreshes the system and often breathes new life into the computer.  If you have ever contacted hardware support, you know the first thing they ask you to do is reboot.

Some people suggest leaving your PC on for as long as you can. They say that this reduces wear and tear on the electrical components by not subjecting them to the surge of electricity as it comes and goes when you turn the computer on and off. I am not sure I buy this argument myself. This may have been true 20 years ago, but that does not apply to modern components and today's technology.

There are cedrtain situations where a computer should be left running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  These includethe PC that is acting as a network server and providing services to a network. Examples include file, mail, Web and print servers that need to be online and available as part of a business network.

Imagine the grief if you Internet provided shut down all their computers at the end of the business day! Mail bouncing, Web pages not loading. It would be a disaster and asking for the wrath of the users to descend upon you. But unless you're running a similar network that needs to be up and available all the time, I think you are better off powering down your home PC if you're done for the day.