What's your opinion?

[Nooyawkah]

I'd like your opinion of this:

http://www.ckcs.org/topfifty/4.html

[Budfred]

See this thread:

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21113

[sleddog]

Well, that little article seems to assume that a computer only does things when someone is using it, which isn't always the case. Dispite popular believe, a computer is not analagous to a car :)

[mjc]

When it is off, the surge has to jump the switch and the surge protector to get to your computer.

That one used to be true for AT form factor computers, not true for ATX.

[Honcho]

I guess theres a good and bad arguement for either on or off here.
Turning it off:
CONs;
Harder on the powersupply during start up
Electronics will last longer in a constant state ie: on or off
Voltage often spikes dureing power up, components often fail during power up.
PROs;
Hackers have no access to system provided it doesnt have "wake on Lan" feature enabled.
uses less electricity, and ingests less dust bunnies.
cannot be viewed by the casual interloper, especially if your system is password protected.
Donot have to worry about power outages corrupting data

Leaving it on:
CONs;
Bad sytem and network security will leave system open to hackers if you have broadband(always on) connection.
Dust bunnies multiply faster in the warmth.
Failing cooling fans may keep you awake with that constant squeeling.
PROs;
Makes a really cool night lite.
Gives your AI a larger amount of time to learn how to take over the world.
If you have several computers, may actually reduce your heating bill.
porno channel is available 24/7 with out waiting for POST to finish.
components will remain at a constant temperature, extending their life.
you dont have to worry about your system not comeing on for reasons unknown.

Personally i do a mix of both. My mucking about system is usually off when im not useing it, just to save power and keep it cleaner. My servers are on 24/7, are fairly secured and have a UPS to protect against power issues(as do all my systems). I find the same population of dust bunnies regardless of which sytem it is so I dont really think that is an issue really. A clean furnace filter is the secret there. My lcd monitor is also on the ups and goes to powersaveing mode when im not useing it. It should be noted that all modern ATX systems provide power to the mainboard as long as they are plugged into power, so to avoid issues with dirty power ,spikes or failures, always use a good UPS or unplug them when not in use.