It is generally fine to leave a computer on 24×7, as long as it is maintained and cooled properly. But it isn’t recommended unless you are using computers as servers or some kind of backend machine like a web server, or a NAS because running anything all the time will shorten the lifespan of moving parts first.
Leaving a computer on for extended periods of time can help to ensure that the computer is always available for tasks such as updates, backups, and remote access. However, it is important to make sure that the computer is properly cooled and that there is adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
However, there are some potential downsides to leaving a computer on 24×7. One is that it will consume more energy, which can lead to higher electricity bills. Another potential downside is that it will increase the wear and tear on the hardware, which can lead to a shorter lifespan of the computer.
A better solution would be to use the power management feature of your computer, if it has one, that allows you to put your computer in a low-power “sleep” or “hibernation” mode when not in use, and wake it up with a touch of a button or when a scheduled task runs.
This way you will ensure your computer is available when you need it, but also save energy and prolong the lifespan of your computer components.
Additionally, it is recommended to schedule regular maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the dust from inside the computer, and running disk cleanup and disk defragmenter (in HDD), to keep the computer running efficiently.
In summary, it is usually fine to leave a computer on 24×7 as long as it is properly maintained, cooled, and scheduled power management features are used, but it is also important to consider the potential downsides such as energy consumption and increased wear and tear on the hardware.
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