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From: steves@tekgen.BV.TEK.COM (Steve Shellans)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics,misc.consumers
Subject: When should a PC be turned off ?
Message-ID: <3226@tekgen.BV.TEK.COM>
Date: 13 Jul 88 20:15:06 GMT
Organization: Tektronix Inc., Beaverton, Or.
Lines: 22

My question concerns devices such as PC's and laser printers that have
both electronic _and mechanical_ components.

To maximize their life expectancy, when should they be turned off?
At the end of every day?  For weekends only?  Only when they will
be out of use for a week or more?   Never??

(As I understand it, the issue is as follows.  Electronic components
suffer most of their wear when they are powered-up.  Therefore, the
longest life can be realized by never turning them off.  Exception --
damaging power surges.  On the other hand, mechanical components, such
as hard disk drives, wear out as a function of total hours of use.)

I have asked some people around the company and have received _opinions_
in all of the above categories.  I don't think that more _opinions_ will
help decide this issue.

However, if you have some facts/data, I think a lot of people would be
interested in hearing from you on this matter.  I know that I would.

Steve Shellans
Tektronix, Beaverton OR
tektronix!tekgen!steves