Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!husc6!rutgers!dorm.rutgers.edu!medici From: medici@dorm.rutgers.edu (Mark Medici) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc Subject: Re: leaving PC on Message-ID: Date: 2 Aug 90 14:30:45 GMT References: <52972@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu> Distribution: na Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 31 streib@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (Allan Streib) writes: >I have an PC-XT clone w/20meg hard drive which I leave on 24 hrs a >day. I feel that this is not harmful to the PC itself, but what about >the hard drive? Any opinions, out there? This has been the subject of much philosophical and technical debate. However, speaking strictly from personal experience, I have had only a single failure of all systems (mechanical or electronic) left powered on 24hr/day. That failure was DAC (digital-analog convertor) in the video output circuit on an IBM PS/2 Model 80 motherboard, which was probably defective from the start. My experience includes 5 LAN servers running 24hr/day for 3 years, a BBS on an original IBM PC/XT with Segate ST225's, and my personal PC/AT with 100MB RLL drive. Only one of these systems has a UPS, though all have surge/spike protection. However, I do recommend: - Turn off your display and printers when they will not be used for extended periods. - Ensure that your system is installed where it is not subject to excessive vibrations, dust or heat. - Physically disconnect it from power and phone lines (especially phone lines) during local lightning activity. Got a fried modem this way, once. - Use some form of power protection (e.g., surge/spike protector, or better yet, a UPS). Of course my personal experiences may deviate from averages. Good luck.