Going away for 3 weeks, should I leave PC on or turn it off?

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Title says it all. I usually have computer running all the time, but wonder if I should just turn it off while I’m away? I’m the only user, no critical programs have to run if I’m not around. I can let Win Updates and others proceed when I return.

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I assume you are asking about a desktop.
If it were mine, I would shut it down completely (not sleep) for that long a period.
Also, in the case of electrical surge in a storm or power outage, it might be a good idea to also disconnect it at the electrical outlet.

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Ascaris, PL1, Charlie, SueW, Alex5723

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miriamn wrote:

I usually have computer running all the time

Another suggestion for an “always on” desktop:  Consider removing an side panel and using “compressed air duster” to remove what is likely a lot of dust accumulation.  Your PC will run cooler.  Dusters come in two versions: Rechargeable electric or a hand held can of compressed air.  I use the rechargeable electric type.

Desktop mobo Asus TUF X299 Mark 1, CPU: Intel Core i7-7820X Skylake-X 8-Core 3.6 GHz, RAM: 32GB, GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti 4GB. Display: Four 27" 1080p screens 2 over 2 quad.

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TechTango wrote:

Dusters come in two versions: Rechargeable electric or a hand held can of compressed air. I use the rechargeable electric type.

I’ve wrestled with switching from canned compressed air to electric dusters for environmental reasons. But I’ve been put off by review comments about noise and airflow being too forceful.

If you don’t mind, which of the rechargeable electric dusters do you have and does it address those issues?

Related – the main drawback with blower dusters, at least for me, is of course that they blow all the dust out into the surrounding air. I do not have the option of taking a PC outside to ‘undust’ it (as my partner from another country says).

I’m curious how others who also cannot take their PC outside handle this to avoid or minimize the spreading of dust when using blower dusters?

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Remember that you’ve got Microsoft Windows 11 on that computer.  If you leave it on, you leave yourself open to the whims of Microsoft.  You may have Windows 12 on that computer when you get back.

Even astrophysicist Carl Sagan when speaking astronomically used Billions, not Trillions.

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PKCano wrote:

Also, in the case of electrical surge in a storm or power outage, it might be a good idea to also disconnect it at the electrical outlet.

I would even suggest unplugging any network connections. I say this, since I was recently hit with a lightning surge that knocked out many of the devices that were network hardwired. One was even TOTALLY unplugged from the AC, but a network cable was still plugged in, and took out my TiVo. Other devices that HAD AC surge protectors on were still knocked out through ethernet cables.

I have since added a network surge protector (as well as coax and AC surge protectors).

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if you never turn it off, why start now?
What is the difference if you go away – apart from using electricity?

cheers, Paul

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opti1 wrote:

If you don’t mind, which of the rechargeable electric dusters do you have and does it address those issues?

Compressed Air Duster, Koonie 15000mAh Cordless Air Duster & Vacuum 2 in 1 Powerful 77000RPM/11000PA 2 Speeds Electric Air Duster with Detachable Battery, for Computer/Keyboard, Car, Electronics.

Notes:

1. There two speeds.  It is a bit loud on high.  I find the power (blow and vacuum) to be fine for my uses.  LONG battery life between charges.  Batt is detachable and will charge cell phones, etc.
2. I open up my desktop box every six months or so to dust it out.  At this frequency, accumulation is nil so the blower attachment isn’t a issue.
3. The vacuum option using the brush attachment is handy for keyboards and even certain areas inside my desktop box.
4. I’ve even used the vacuum option with the long extension tool to clean the inside of outdoor house light fixture.
5. Easy to remove and clean air filter. You’ll find it on usual online sources.

Desktop mobo Asus TUF X299 Mark 1, CPU: Intel Core i7-7820X Skylake-X 8-Core 3.6 GHz, RAM: 32GB, GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti 4GB. Display: Four 27" 1080p screens 2 over 2 quad.

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miriamn wrote:

I usually have computer running all the time,

Suggest using a good UPS with an auto shut down feature.

Desktop mobo Asus TUF X299 Mark 1, CPU: Intel Core i7-7820X Skylake-X 8-Core 3.6 GHz, RAM: 32GB, GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti 4GB. Display: Four 27" 1080p screens 2 over 2 quad.

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PKCano’s advice is the best IMO.  In addition to turning your computer off and unplugging it, I’d do the same with my modem/router, monitor, electric water heater, and TV’s.  They’re using electricity almost constantly.  I would also turn my air conditioning up to 85 degrees in summer and my heat down to 60 degrees in the winter.

I don’t believe in wasting energy let alone paying for it, and you’re also protecting your electronics from lightning, power surges, etc.

Even astrophysicist Carl Sagan when speaking astronomically used Billions, not Trillions.

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Going away for 3 weeks, should I leave PC on or turn it off?

Yes, you should turn it off.

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I have a Mac, but this may be the same on a PC as well.  After advice from PKCano some months ago, I have been shutting down the Mac every night.  Previously, I was just putting it to sleep.  Since shutting it down, I believe the improvement in performance is noticeable.

iPhone 13, 2019 iMac(SSD)

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opti1 wrote:

I’ve wrestled with switching from canned compressed air to electric dusters for environmental reasons. But I’ve been put off by review comments about noise and airflow being too forceful. If you don’t mind, which of the rechargeable electric dusters do you have and does it address those issues? Related – the main drawback with blower dusters, at least for me, is of course that they blow all the dust out into the surrounding air. I do not have the option of taking a PC outside to ‘undust’ it (as my partner from another country says). I’m curious how others who also cannot take their PC outside handle this to avoid or minimize the spreading of dust when using blower dusters?

I find the attached pdf method of cleaning the dust from a desktop PC to work best.

Tips-for-Cleaning-a-PC

HTH, Dana:))

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SueW

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