Turning computers off?

[gadgetgirl85]

I've been looking for an answer to this but is it safe to leave both macbook and imac on? I usually turn mine on and off each night but I do realise they go to sleep if you leave them for awhile and you can set them to go to sleep so I was wondering if this is ok?

 

[Eidorian]

Just sleep it. You still keep your crazy uptimes that way and save power.

 

[TheAnswer]

I just put mine to sleep each night before I go to bed. If I'm leaving for the weekend or longer, then I'll shut them down.

 

[hootywho]

I almost never turn it off. I just put it to sleep.

 

[Telp]

I never turn my computer off, unless i unplug it for a storm. Just let it go to sleep, it will be fine.

 

[gonyr]

Another vote for sleep. I'm too impatient to wait for startup every time I get an idea in my head to check something on the internet.

 

[dukebound85]

i dont turn mine off ever, nor do i let them sleep

 

[rdowns]

Sleep, FTW. I reboot once a month unless required by a software update.

 

[wackymacky]

I always sleep mine. Apple does recommend shut down if not using for more than 72 hours though not clrear why.

 

[JediMeister]

Cache files created while using applications on the system are purged on a regular basis when shut down, whereas they remain active when the computer is put to sleep. These cache files can cause odd things to happen with the interface and in-progress projects if you're in iMovie, iDVD, Keynote and you let the computer go to sleep with those applications open.

 

[bki122689]

leaving the mac on for a long time is ok. i have friends who do that. But just to save power put the comp on sleep.

 

[Consultant]

Cache files created while using applications on the system are purged on a regular basis when shut down, whereas they remain active when the computer is put to sleep. These cache files can cause odd things to happen with the interface and in-progress projects if you're in iMovie, iDVD, Keynote and you let the computer go to sleep with those applications open.

VERY RARELY does such things impact OSX.

Most people have no problem running OSX for month(s) at a time, but typically a restart is required for some software updates.

 

[themoonisdown09]

I don't ever turn my iMac off. I just let it sleep when I'm not using it. I usually leave my Macbook Pro on and close the lid (to put it to sleep) when I'm done with it.

i dont turn mine off ever, nor do i let them sleep

Energy waster. Naughty naughty.

 

[themoonisdown09]

VERY RARELY does such things impact OSX.

Most people have no problem running OSX for month(s) at a time, but typically a restart is required for some software updates.

I agree. The only time I ever restart my computer is if I install a software update that requires a restart. I never notice a difference in speed if I've recently restarted or I've had it running for 2 months straight.

 

[wadejc85]

I don't ever turn my iMac off. I just let it sleep when I'm not using it. I usually leave my Macbook Pro on and close the lid (to put it to sleep) when I'm done with it.



Energy waster. Naughty naughty.

Sleep mode uses energy, too. Naughty naughty to you.

Turn mine on and off most of the time. I only use it at night, so why run up electricity bills?

 

[themoonisdown09]

Sleep mode uses energy, too. Naughty naughty to you.

I don't think it uses enough energy to matter. In fact, people have debated on these forums whether it takes more energy to turn it off and on constantly than to let it sleep.

By the way... I am naughty.

 

[wadejc85]

I don't think it uses enough energy to matter. In fact, people have debated on these forums whether it takes more energy to turn it off and on constantly than to let it sleep.

By the way... I am naughty.

Give me numbers and I might acknowledge that as an answer.

The sleep load is higher than what you'd think and shouldn't be considered negligible considering it is drawing power 24 hours a day for 365 days a year.

... No wonder why the world thinks Americans waste energy and don't care.

 

[themoonisdown09]

Give me numbers and I might acknowledge that as an answer.

The sleep load is higher than what you'd think and shouldn't be considered negligible considering it is drawing power 24 hours a day for 365 days a year.

... No wonder why the world thinks Americans waste energy and don't care.

Good thing all my power is generated from a dam and not a coal plant!

 

[wadejc85]

Good thing all my power is generated from a dam and not a coal plant!

You're departing from wasting energy. Whether or not it's coming from water or coal, it's still wasteful.

Hydroelectric dams still have an impact on the environment, just not at the same level as coal, of course.