Shutting Down Your Computer is More Important Than You Think!
Do you shut down your computer when you're done using it? Or are you the type that leaves the laptop on and keeps snoozing the “restart” prompt until the computer forces the issue? If you’re the latter, you may want to rethink this habit. Powering your computer off once a day can increase its longevity and help you start the next day fresh.
Below are several reasons why you should consider powering down your computer each night.
If you Purchased a New Computer and You're Just Starting To Use It
When your device is brand new, it’s still in its warranty period which makes it the perfect time to locate any faulty hardware. The failure rate of PC’s is higher when they’re still new and while it usually will stabilize, the failure rate then increases as the computer ages. Shutting down and restarting the computer puts a stress on it which may help show you if there is anything majorly wrong with the device you just bought BEFORE the warranty is up.
Increase The Device’s Lifespan
Your laptop’s battery life will shorten after about 300 charge cycles. When you power down your laptop you therefore are increasing the time between charge cycles and increasing the battery life. In addition, if you leave the device on all the time it will heat up, the fan keeps running and this causes wear on the hardware (not a cheap replacement). Give your laptop time to rest and you can increase the device’s lifespan for a few months to years.
Enhance Device Performance
You may have noticed that if you leave your PC on for days or weeks it slows down. This is due to several reasons such as programs taking up memory, fragmented files taking up processing power or various drivers crashing. When you shut down or reboot the device it stops the programs running in the background and will fix the crashes and reboot the drivers the correct way, enhancing performance. Shutting down the device also ensures your PC won’t mis updates or upgrades critical for performance.
Protect Your Device From Power Surges
Power surges are beyond our control and can damage your computer, possibly costing you money and leading to data loss if not saved or backed up properly. Surge protectors can protect your PC from small surges while plugged in; however, the only sure-fire way to protect the device is to unplug it from a power outlet. If your device is plugged in and left on overnight the device is very vulnerable to surges. Shut down and unplug for peace of mind!
To Save Money
A desktop computer consumes 200Wh on average and 600kWH annually costing you around $75 per year. A laptop consumes around 300kWh per year costing you roughly around $35 annually. These electricity costs gradually increase when you leave devices on for 24 hours. Costs associated with repairs due to damage from leaving the device on can also increase with time. Shut off your device daily to minimize electricity and repair costs annually.
Protect Your Privacy
Shutting down your device prevents cyberattacks, protecting important data. In addition, your computer cannot be broken into if it's powered down. A simple shutdown can increase the chances that your data and device remain safe and secure.
Improve Your Productivity
Turning off your PC can help increase productivity as it forces you to close all opened tabs, programs, and tasks you are working on. You start each day fresh, with no pesky notifications or lingering browsers open to distract you. When you leave your device on, you may be tempted to check on things even off the clock. Shutting down your computer even if it's just on weekends helps promote a healthy work life balance. You can even schedule the shutdown to occur on an automatic schedule if manually turning it off is difficult to remember.
Shut down your computer each night to help improve your own productivity and performance as well protect your devices and increase their lifespan! If you have more questions on any IT topic and are looking for IT support for your business, give us a call!
