Hi,
I'd suggest several things. Firstly, upgrade memory, it always helps if you're low on it. It eases the load on the HDD as the computer doesn't need to use as much virtual memory (basically space on HDD which is used as RAM).
It's good that you're using the standby function, you can even put your computer into Hibernate (depending on OS) which pretty much turns off the computer but leaves you were you were before - quite useful if you're only going to be away for less than an hour.
If the computer won't be used for an hour or more, then I'd say it's worth turning it off. It gives it some time to cool down. On that note I'd suggest installing a case fan. Most computers don't come with case fans, so the motherboard and processor (not to mention hard-drive) easily heat up. But a 3-pin case fan (try www.overclockers.co.uk and look for the ultra-low sound fans) which will speed up or slow down as necessary, creating least amount of noise but still being effective. I'd place the fan at the front of the case so that it blows air directly onto the HDD - this will lengthen its lifespan and also make it work better.
Generally it's good to keep things cool. If you want, put another fan in the back to extract air. If it isn't too loud, then think of it as the cooler the better, not only for lifespan but for performance as well. And fans are cheap.
That eliminates the only real problem: heat. Of course it's good to use the computer as little as possible, but if you're only shutting it down for less than an hour at a time, keep using Standby.
Ok, a long explanation but hopefully it helps. For further info on how to install fans or which to buy (if it's new to you), then don't hesitate to ask. It's fairly simple.
Hope that helps,
Christian
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by: venyonPosted on 2002-10-14 at 02:06:28ID: 7332533
I think it very well depends on your environment (that you put your computer in), and the kind of computer you have.
I would recommend switching off the computer when you don't want to use it for the next one hour or more. Especially if your computer is heating up a lot. Heat, and mechanical movement (which generates heat as well) will all slowly shorten the life of your computer.
If your computer's placed in an air-conditioned room, the heating concern would somewhat be lessened.
If your hard drive is wearing out a lot, consider adding more memory if you have less than 128MB.
Basically, keep the temperature low, moving parts moving as little as possible (such as harddisk read/writes). While turning off the computer and on again causes the booting stage to access your harddisk more, the charging/discharging acts of some eletronical components in your PC shortening the life of it, it's still a rather smaller factor compared to many other influences (cpu fan, ram amount, OS used, placement of cooling fans etc..) It's pretty much a balancing act to choose if you want to leave it on, or turn it off.