Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!ark1!nems!blackjack!hart From: hart@blackjack.dt.navy.mil (Michael Hart) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc Subject: Re: leaving PC on Message-ID: Date: 7 Aug 90 11:36:22 GMT References: <52972@iuvax.cs.indiana.edu> Sender: news@nems.dt.navy.mil Distribution: na Lines: 61 In medici@dorm.rutgers.edu (Mark Medici) writes: >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? >[stuff deleted] My $.02 worth -- remember, though, you get what you pay for!! Your mileage may vary. I worked for 13 years as a computer field engineer. This question has been asked by everyone responsible for the running of any computer worth more than 87 cents. I refer you to the "light bulb law". That law being: When do light bulbs burn out?? _when you turn them on_ There is a large surge of current through the device; energy where there was none, etc. Kinda like being woken up by a bucket of water in the face! Most of the engineers (real, degreed) I've spoken to told me the worst thing you can do to a machine is turn it on. But, once it's on, LEAVE IT ON! >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. =====^^^^^^ Absolutely! No reason to kill your monitor. Modify as needed, if you have a reliable screen saver. > - 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. I've never had a storm induced problem. Use your own knowledge of how the power utility is in your area. Tho, if you're worried, unplug it. I knew someone who unplugged _EVERY_ electric appliance in the house when it rained!! > - Use some form of power protection (e.g., surge/spike protector, > or better yet, a UPS). ^^^^^^^^^^^ _ABSOLUTELY_ When you spend Multi-Thousands of your hard earned $$$$$$ on a machine, be smart enough to spend another $150 or so for either a good power conditioner, or small UPS. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael G. Hart hart@blackjack.dt.navy.mil / mhart@dtrc.dt.navy.mil DTRC/DoD | "Wherever you go, there you are."- me DISCLAIMER: If you want the Navy's opinion, talk to Secretary Cheney.