How do you turn off your computer properly?.

[BNP]

I have been told not to turn my Personal Computer off by the button and go to shut down instead, the thing is i dont want to kill my PC. What do you do to turn it off safely?.

[FastBarry]

Start/log off/shut down/OK

[netibiza]

 Should one ALWAYS close the PC down at night when not using it - I leave mine on all the time - I mean like forever - is this wrong?

[BNP]

Does log off, mean that it pops off forever or does it mean there is a waiting time before the machine comes back on again?,.

[rojash]

Log off doesn't shut the machine down, it sets it to wait for you or someone else to log on again.

If you have a modern machine, properly configured and running XP, pressing the Off switch will have exactly the same effect as clicking Start/Shutdown/shutdown.

netibiza, this is one of those points that nobody can agree on - wear and tear caused by running up and down as opposed to that caused by being constantly on. I would just mention that in the 26 years I've spent working with computers, I reckon 90 percent of failures have occurred at start up, so both my machines are left on 24/7.

[netibiza]

Thanks rojash feel better for knowing that.

[tali122]

a friend of mine used to switch it straight off from the mains- never had any probs- although i would neverdo it.
i switch mine off manually,. Keeping it on all night is enviromentally unfriendly and altough im paranoid about my pc failing -but not to that extent

[jake-the-peg]

Just a quick point for everybody who's worried about their PC failing.

BACKUP!!!!!!

You can reinstall your programs but you cant reinstall your mail, your pictures your tax returns etc.

And if you're not worried about your machine failing - it could always be stolen if you get burgled.